Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Angels are struggling to score runs as they endure a six-game losing streak. The Angels will try to snap out of the funk and even the four-game series at one win apiece when they visit the Houston Astros today. Los Angeles failed to score more than three runs in any of the last six games and was shut out in the last two, including a 3-0 setback in the series opener on Monday. The Angels managed five hits on Monday, two of which came from reigning MVP Mike Trout, who was the only player in the starting lineup with a batting average over .286. The Astros are streaking in the other direction with wins in five straight behind an offense averaging 7.4 runs in that span. Second baseman Jose Altuve is leading the charge and is 10-for-18 with seven runs scored, four RBIs and four stolen bases in the last five contests.

Rating: 2 Units

The cold April wind at Wrigley Field hasn’t slowed down the Milwaukee Brewers’ powerful offense. The Brewers clubbed three home runs in winning the opener of their three-game series against the host Chicago Cubs, which continues today. The Cubs have lost four straight – all at home – which is one shy of matching their longest skid during last year’s World Series campaign. It also is their longest losing streak at home since 2014. Former Korean Baseball Organization star Eric Thames continues to power the Brewers’ offense, as he has gone deep six times during a five-game home run streak. Ryan Braun and Jett Bandy also belted shots on Monday for Milwaukee, which has hit a major league-leading 25 home runs in 14 contests.

Rating: 2 Units

The Braves have won five in a row after a 2-6 start to the season, capping a four-game sweep of San Diego with Dansby Swanson’s walk-off single in Monday’s 5-4 victory to improve to 4-0 at their new home, SunTrust Park. Freddie Freeman finished 4-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs on Monday and is hitting .400 on the season. Atlanta hopes to activate left fielder Matt Kemp (right hamstring strain) from the disabled list during the series, while catcher Tyler Flowers is day-to-day with a right hamstring strain.

Rating: 2 Units

Ray worked in and out of trouble Tuesday against San Francisco and earned the win after tossing 6 2/3 scoreless innings with five walks and eight strikeouts. The 25-year-old continues to struggle with his control with eight walks in his first two starts covering 12 1/3 innings. Yasiel Puig is 5-for-14 with a home run against Ray, who is 3-3 with a 2.96 ERA in eight career starts against the Dodgers, including 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA in four outings last season.

Rating: 2 Units

Gibson has yet to find his top form while allowing eight runs on nine hits - including three home runs - over nine innings with seven strikeouts and three walks to start the season after struggling in 2016 with a 6-11 record and 5.07 ERA. The 29-year-old Indiana native went 1-8 with a 5.21 ERA at home last season and was 5-3 with a 4.92 mark on the road. Yan Gomes is 7-for-16 with a pair of homers against Gibson, who was 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA in two starts versus Cleveland last year.

Rating: 2 Units

Lynn was solid in his season debut as he limited the Cubs to two runs over 5 1/3 frames after missing 2016 due to Tommy John surgery. Josh Harrison is 8-for-22 with a homer against Lynn. St. Louis 3B Matt Carpenter batted .304 with four homers and 14 RBIs against Pittsburgh in 2016.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

This is a great price on Cole Hamels. The Rangers' lefty ace was actually in a similar range against both the Indians and Angels, but considering how Seattle has played, this spot looks like a bargain. Yes, Hamels has an 0-2 TSR, but he didn't factor into the decision either time. It had been an ugly 2-8 start for Seattle before taking the first two games of this series. They've held Texas to just one run and it was a 5-0 shutout yesterday. However, the Mariners are only 7-14 the L3 seasons following a shutout victory. While Texas is 13-6 after getting shutout, over the L3 seasons.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pirates prevailed in the first two games of this NL Central rivalry, and they are poised for a sweep at Wrigley Field with a victory today. James Taillon was a money-maker for the Bucs in 2016 (+$605, 3.50 ERA in 19 starts) and he has looked sharp in his first two outings this season (1.38 ERA). The Pirate racked up huge profits vs. lefties last year (20-9, +$1495, 5.7 runs per game on offense) while Chicago lost money in day games (-$735 overall). Inflated price on Jon Lester makes the road underdog is too good to pass up.

Rating: 2 Units

After going 1-1 with a 2.64 ERA in his final three turns of last season, Skaggs has struggled mightily in 2017, giving up a total of 10 runs - and three homers - over 11 1/3 innings in his first two outings. The 25-year-old escaped with a no-decision versus Texas at home on Tuesday after surrendering five runs on eight hits - two blasts - and two walks in five frames.

Rating: 2 Units

Pomeranz held Baltimore to a run and four hits in his six-inning debut, striking out six and walking one. He has 77 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings as a member of the Red Sox but a 5.21 ERA in his career at Fenway Park, spanning 11 games (seven starts). Brad Miller is 6-for-13 with a home run against the 28-year-old Pomeranz, who has a 2.31 ERA in his career against Tampa Bay after three encounters late last season.

Rating: 3 Unit National League Play of the Day

Romano has earned the chance to make his big-league debut after an excellent spring and two strong starts for Triple-A Louisville. The 23-year-old has posted a 1.38 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in his first two starts in the minors this season. Romano is starting in place of fellow rookie Rookie Davis, who is on the 10-day disabled list after being hit by a pitch on the forearm Tuesday at Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

Happ has yet to find the top form that led to a career-high 20 wins last year, but held the Orioles to three runs on five hits with nine strikeouts over seven innings on April 5 in a 3-1 loss. The 34-year-old Northwestern product has struck out 17 without a walk over the first 11 2/3 innings of 2017. Happ, was 11-2 at home and 2-0 versus Baltimore in 2016.

Rating: 2 Units

LAA starter Shoemaker endured his roughest outing in almost a year but escaped with a no-decision Sunday against Seattle after giving up seven runs - six earned - on five hits and a pair of walks over 4 1/3 innings. The Michigan native struggled mightily in April last year as well (1-4, 9.11 ERA) before posting a 3.10 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 22 turns after May 11 following a brief demotion. Shoemaker fell to 0-3 with an 11.34 ERA in four starts against the Royals last year after yielding five runs over six frames in a loss on July 27.

Rating: 2 Units

The Detroit Tigers are in position to win their third straight series and two-time American League MVP Miguel Cabrera is starting to warm up as they visit the Cleveland Indians for the second of a three-game set today. Cabrera homered for the second straight game Friday as the Tigers built a big lead before holding off a furious rally for a 7-6 victory - their seventh in the first 10 games of the season. Detroit starter Verlander picked up where he left off last season by limiting his first two opponents (Boston and the Chicago White Sox) to three runs (two earned) on nine hits over 13 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old former MVP, who owns 174 career wins after going 16-9 in 2016 with a 3.04 ERA, has 14 strikeouts and two walks in the early going.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston starter, McCullers settled for a no-decision against Kansas City on Sunday after allowing three runs and six hits in seven innings. The 23-year-old Floridian did not walk a batter and reached double digits in strikeouts for the seventh time in his brief career, falling one short of his personal best of 11 set on June 3, 2015 versus Baltimore. McCullers has made three career starts against Oakland, going 1-1 with a 3.45 ERA. Oakland starter, Manaea also recorded 10 strikeouts in his last outing but suffered the loss as he surrendered six runs - five earned - on three hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings at Texas on Sunday.

Rating: 2 Units

Baltimore starter, Asher has never faced the Blue Jays and made just one start against an American League team, giving up seven runs in 3 2/3 innings against Boston. Toronto starter, Estrada gave up two runs over six innings against Baltimore to open the season. The 33-year-old from Mexico,  is 4-1 with a 3.20 ERA in his career against Baltimore.

Rating: 3 Units MLB Play of the Day

St. Louis will try to turn a corner behind Opening Day starter Carlos Martinez, who opposes Yankees southpaw CC Sabathia.  Martinez had an impressive debut. He has walked just one batter in 12 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old has two scoreless innings of relief in his career against the Yankees, but has seen plenty of Castro (1-for-11 against Martinez).

Rating: 2 Units

Texas starter Perez continued to struggle with his control Sunday against Oakland as he issued three more walks to give him seven in 11 1/3 innings, but he worked around six hits to toss 5 1/3 scoreless frames en route to a win. The 26-year-old will pitch on the road for the first time in 2017 hoping to forget about last season's woes away from home (2-8, 5.78 ERA).

Rating: 2 Units

Covey was picked 14th overall by Milwaukee in the 2010 draft, but went to the University of San Diego instead before being picked by Oakland in the fourth round in 2013. The White Sox acquired the 25-year-old Californian in the Rule 5 Draft last December after he went 4-0 in the Arizona Fall League. Covey was 2-1 with a 1.84 ERA in Double-A with Oakland last season but has had trouble this spring while recording a 7.82 ERA in 12 2/3 innings of work.

Rating: 3 Units

After going 7-0 with a 3.57 ERA in 22 appearances (15 starts) at Kauffman Stadium in 2016, Duffy draws his first assignment of the new season at home after holding Houston to two runs in seven frames en route to a win on Saturday. It was a solid follow-up performance for the California native, who allowed one run and struck out eight over six innings in a no-decision on Opening Day at Minnesota.

Rating: 2 Units

Porcello gave up four runs (three earned) and 11 hits in six frames of a no-decision at Detroit last Sunday. The 28-year-old went 5-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six starts against Tampa Bay last year and has a 3.03 mark in 17 career matchups. Porcello will be mindful of Corey Dickerson (7-for-19, one homer against him) and Logan Morrison (8-for-22) as he looks to improve upon a 21-9 career mark at Fenway. Tampa Bay starter  Archer, is 1-11 lifetime against Boston and has a 7.30 ERA in five Fenway Park starts.

Rating: 3 Units

Norris was held out of the decision in his season debut after yielding three runs, seven hits and three walks with a pair of strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings in a 7-5 loss to Boston last Sunday. Cleveland starter  Alex Avila is 6-for-16 with a homer against Bauer, who was 2-1 versus Detroit in 2016.

Rating: 2 Units

Sanchez worked seven strong innings at Tampa Bay in his season debut on Saturday but settled for a no-decision. The 24-year-old Californian allowed just one run on four hits and three walks while recording six strikeouts. Sanchez is 5-2 with a 3.88 ERA in 13 career appearances (eight starts) against Baltimore. Baltimore starter  Miley has struggled against Toronto in his career, going 1-4 with a 5.57 ERA in six starts.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cards have gotten off to a lackluster start in 2017, but they look like a live underdog in tonight's series opener. Masahiro Tanaka has struggled in his first two outings (-$215, 11.75 ERA) and he'll be taking on a St. Louis squad that dominated right-handed starters on the road last year (35-23, +$1540). Michael Wacha looked sharp in his season debut (1.50 ERA), so I'll stick with the visitor in tonight's game.

Rating: 2 Units

Bumgarner has been as good as advertised through his first two starts but was the hard-luck loser on Saturday, when he allowed two runs over eight frames in a 2-1 setback against San Diego. The four-time All-Star belted two home runs on Opening Day and has hit 13 in his last 202 at-bats. Gonzalez is 18-for-56 with five homers and 10 RBIs against Bumgarner, who is 12-6 with a 2.99 ERA in 25 career starts against the Rockies - including 1-0 with a 1.40 ERA in three outings last year.

Rating: 3 Units MLB National League Play of the Day

Arroyo struggled in his return to the Reds on Saturday, surrendering six runs on six hits - two homers - and three walks in four innings at St. Louis. The 40-year-old Floridian pitched for Cincinnati from 2006-13, going 105-94, but has not appeared in the major leagues since 2014 with Arizona due to Tommy John surgery and subsequent elbow soreness. Arroyo has recorded 16 wins - his most versus any team - against 10 losses with one complete game and a 3.54 ERA in 34 career outings (31 starts) against Milwaukee.

Rating: 2 Units

Andriese needs to put together a few strong performances to keep his hold of the No. 5 starter role after allowing five runs (four earned) and seven hits against Toronto last Friday. The 27-year-old California native went 2-6 with a 6.03 ERA after the All-Star break last season and may end up in the bullpen if he cannot show some progress soon. Judge (3-for-4, homer) and Headley (3-for-9, two homers) have caused trouble for Andriese, who was 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA versus New York last year.

Rating: 2 Units

Gausman has a 5.64 ERA in 5 games at the Rogers Centre the past three years - to go along with a .314 BAA / 1.61 WHIP and allowing 6 homeruns in just 22.33 innings (2.42 HR/9). Gausman has a respectable 3.77 ERA the past three seasons but a 4.54 road ERA compared to a 2.93 home ERA. He's faced lefty batters and righty batters an even amount of time but has a .238 BAA/.670 OPS against lefty batters and .280 BAA/.784 OPS against righty batters.

Rating: 2 Units

Darvish has gone winless in his first two starts for the first time in his major-league career but threw well in his last outing, allowing one run over six innings in a 6-1 loss to Oakland. The 30-year-old is 7-2 with a 3.78 ERA in 13 career turns against the Angels, including a 5-1 mark and 3.14 ERA in his last nine outings. Trout is 10-for-37 with four homers against Darvish, who is 13-6 with a 2.74 ERA in 28 career day starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Zimmermann allowed one run, four hits and one walk while striking out three in six innings of a 4-1 victory over Boston on Saturday for his first victory since June 14. Zimmermann is 3-0 with a 3.43 ERA in three starts versus Minnesota and has little trouble with Brian Dozer (1-for-10, four strikeouts), who hit his first home run of the season Wednesday after belting 42 in 2016.

Rating: 2 Units

Lackey gave up three runs in the first inning of his season debut at St. Louis, but he settled in and pitched well the rest of the way to earn the win. The 38-year-old was charged with four runs (three earned) over six innings and struck out seven. Lackey has fared well in 12 games (11 starts) against the Dodgers, going 6-3 with a 1.75 ERA, including seven innings of shutout ball in the most recent meeting in 2015.

Rating: 2 Units

Hammel made a decent debut for his sixth team at Minnesota on Thursday in a no-decision, allowing three runs and six hits over five innings, but four walks bumped his pitch count up to 95. The 34-year-old South Carolina native won a career-high 15 games with the World Champion Chicago Cubs last year and is 21-10 in the month of April in his 12 major league seasons. Rajai Davis and Khris Davis each homered against Hammel, who is 4-1 with a 3.75 ERA in seven games (three starts) against Oakland.

Rating: 2 Units

Milwaukee starts Chase Anderson who is horrible against right-handed batters. His past three seasons he has a .231 BAA and .708 OPS against LHB but against RHB he has a .299 BAA and .845 OPS. Yet his overall numbers are decent (4.26 ERA / .784 OPS) because he has only faced 55.6% RHB during that time compared to 44.4% LHB. Last season he had a .203 BAA and .664 OPS against LHB but a .313 BAA and .935 OPS against RHB. He looked good in the first start of the season allowing just 3 hits (1 homerun) and 2 walks while striking out four batters through six innings - but you probably guessed that homerun (the only run he gave up) was to a RHB. Well, today he'll be facing NINE right handed batters in a homerun friendly ballpark.

Rating: 2 Units

Samardzija is facing Arizona for the second time in less than a week after allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings in last Thursday’s 9-3 loss. The 32-year-old is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 13 career games (eight starts) against the Diamondbacks, including 2-0 with a 2.91 ERA in three outings last season. Jake Lamb is 4-for-10 with a home run against Samardzija, but Paul Goldschmidt (5-for-24, home run) and Daniel Descalso (3-for-20) have each struggled against the 2014 All-Star.

Rating: 2 Units

Hamels received a no-decision in his season debut against Cleveland last Wednesday, when he allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits over six innings. The 33-year-old, who led the AL with 10 road victories last season, has gone 22-6 over 45 regular season starts since joining the Rangers in 2015. The Southern California native is 2-1 with a 3.27 ERA in five career starts against Los Angeles, including 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two outings at Angel Stadium.

Rating: 2 Units

Weaver made his debut for San Diego on Thursday after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Los Angeles Angels and surrendered four runs on five hits - two homers - and three walks over five innings of a road loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 34-year-old Californian has faced only three members of Colorado's current roster, who are a collective 2-for-11 against him. Weaver settled for a no-decision in his only career start against the Rockies despite allowing just two runs and striking out 11 in seven frames.  Colorado starter Senzatela, struggled to an 0-4 record and 4.61 ERA as opponents batted .330 against him in eight appearances - five starts - during spring training.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Blue Jays are 16-5 in their last 21 interleague home games vs. a team with a losing record, 20-7 in their last 27 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter, and 17-8 in their last 25 interleague home games.

Rating: 2 Units

Harvey’s first start since last July went according to plan as he recorded a victory over Atlanta on Friday after allowing two runs and three hits in 6 2/3 innings. While Harvey’s velocity coming off thoracic outlet syndrome surgery was concerning in spring training, he hit the mid-90s with his fastball in the opener and effectively mixed it with a slider and change-up. Harvey is 6-2 with a 2.65 ERA in nine career starts against the Phillies.

Rating: 2 Units

Lester gets the honor of starting the home opener after also taking the ball on Opening Day in St. Louis. The 33-year-old struck out seven and allowed one run and seven hits over five innings in a no-decision against the Cardinals. Lester is 2-2 with a 3.06 ERA in five career starts versus the Dodgers and allowed just one run over 15 innings against them last season.

Rating: 2 Units

Brandon Finnegan gets the start for Cincinnati and he's a pitcher that is very much under the radar. We all know that he is left-handed pitcher with a fastball that maxes out at 96 MPH and most know that he has a nasty slider but what began emerging in the second half of last season was the improvement of his change-up. These adjustments contributed to him posting a Post-All Star Break ERA of 2.93 and .230 BAA. There are, technically at least, a few changeups that improved more in the second half than Finnegan's did last year but there were no changeups that added as much fade, drop, and velocity gap combined that were also attached to a player as young and possibly exciting as the Reds' lefty. His change-up was thrown 333 times last season and was only safely hit seven times (six of those times being singles) - good for a .092 BAA against his change-up in comparison to 2015 when it was hit at a rate of .273 (and only thrown 51 times).

Rating: 2 Units

DeGrom showed no ill effects from his elbow surgery in September as he struck out six and limited Atlanta to two hits over six scoreless innings on Wednesday. The 28-year-old Floridian settled for a no-decision and has gone six starts without a victory since defeating the New York Yankees on Aug. 2. DeGrom has gone 4-0 in seven career turns against the Phillies, including a one-hit shutout on July 17 at Philadelphia.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Cardinals have lost their first two series of the season, dropping two of three at home to both the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati. St. Louis was shut out twice by the Reds, including an 8-0 drubbing in Sunday’s series finale. No one in the Cardinals’ starting lineup ended the game with a batting average over .300, and the club has recorded just 11 extra-base hits through six games.  Washington starter, Roark was excellent in his season debut, limiting Miami to two runs and three hits over six innings with six strikeouts. The 30-year-old retired 13 of the last 14 batters he faced and gave up just one extra-base hit.

Rating: 2 Units

Paxton pitched six scoreless innings in a no-decision against Morton and the Astros on Wednesday, allowing two hits and one walk. The 28-year-old Canadian, who matched his career high with six wins last season and owns 18 victories overall, struck out five in his 2017 debut that encompassed 100 pitches. George Springer is just 3-for-15 versus Paxton

Rating: 2 Units

Sabathia spun five scoreless innings against Tampa Bay in his first start to help New York to its only win on the young season. He will be aiming for career win No. 225 and his 20th - against 10 defeats - in his career versus Baltimore. The 36-year-old is 11-7 with a 3.43 ERA in 23 career outings at Camden Yards and will be wary of Manny Machado (14-for-43 against Sabathia) and Adam Jones (21-for-70, five home runs). Baltimore starter, Miley was 2-5 with a 6.17 ERA in 11 starts with Baltimore after being shipped from Seattle at the trade deadline. Included in that stretch were a pair of September starts against the Yankees in which he surrendered seven runs in 11 frames.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Atlanta starter, Teheran did not get a decision in Atlanta’s loss to the Mets on Opening Day, but he pitched well in scattering four hits while striking out six over as many scoreless innings. The Braves averaged just 3.37 runs in Teheran’s starts last season and could not score push across a run in Monday's 6-0 defeat to New York. Teheran blanked the Pirates over 7 2/3 innings in his only start against them in 2016 and is 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA in seven games (six starts) against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh starter Cole took the loss in Monday’s season opener at Boston, giving up five runs on seven hits in five innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Estrada pitched reasonably well in his season debut, allowing two runs on five hits and a pair of walks in six innings to gain a no-decision in the 3-2 loss to Baltimore. The 33-year-old from Mexico recorded 22 victories and a 3.30 ERA the previous two years combined to establish himself in the rotation while going 6-2 with a .193 opponents’ batting average on the road in 2016. Tampa Bay starter, Odorizzi was victimized by the long ball in his first start of the campaign, allowing a pair that led to four runs against on seven hits over six innings in a loss to the New York Yankees.

Rating: 2 Units

Seattle starter Hernandez returns to the mound after being forced to leave the season opener at Houston after five innings with tightness in his right groin. The Venezuelan ace, who turned 31 on Friday, was saddled with the loss despite giving up only two runs and five hits while striking out six and not issuing a walk. LAA starter Nolasco also lost on Opening Day, falling at Oakland after surrendering three runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old Californian gave up a total of one run over his final three turns last season, winning all three. Nolasco has not fared well against Seattle in his career, going 1-4 with a 4.60 ERA in five starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Sanchez went through a side session without issues recently and should be ready to go after suffering a finger injury during the spring, when he struggled with an 8.44 ERA in 10 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old Californian was especially tough on the road last season, going 9-1 with a 2.14 ERA while allowing opponents to bat .214. Kevin Kiermaier is 3-for-7 with a double and Longoria is just 1-for-14 against Sanchez, who was 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA in two starts versus Tampa Bay last year.

Rating: 2 Units

Tanaka's rocky debut was his shortest start since Sept. 27, 2014, and it snapped a personal seven-game winning streak dating to last season. The 28-year-old is 1-1 with a 2.39 ERA in five career starts against Baltimore, throwing at least seven innings and striking out at least six in each outing. His lone appearance at Camden Yards resulted in eight scoreless innings and a no-decision last May.

Rating: 2 Units

The Minnesota Twins are making an early statement - one they hope will continue Saturday against the host Chicago White Sox. The Twins, expected by most to be among the American League's worst teams, have won their first four games following a 3-1 victory in Friday's series opener. Minnesota swept Kansas City in impressive fashion earlier this week before topping Chicago on Friday behind Robbie Grossman (two hits, two runs) and Phil Hughes (one run allowed in six innings). The Twins hope to get a similar effort out of Adalberto Mejia, who will be making his second career appearance and first career start.

Rating: 2 Units

Miller is eager to turn the page following a dismal first season with the Diamondbacks that included 42 walks in 101 innings and a brief demotion to Triple-A Reno. The 26-year-old displayed increased velocity during the spring and recorded 22 strikeouts in five starts covering 15 1/3 frames. Tomlin made four starts during spring training, compiling a 5.50 ERA over 18 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Oakland starter Alcantara was recalled in September and made his major-league debut against the Los Angeles Angels, suffering the loss after surrendering five runs in three innings. The 24-year-old Dominican allowed 18 runs in 22 1/3 frames over five starts and was tagged for nine home runs while recording only 14 strikeouts. Texas starter Griffin, who began his career with Oakland, will be making his first start against his former club. The 29-year-old Californian made 23 starts last year in his initial season with Texas after missing the previous two campaigns due to Tommy John surgery. Griffin went 3-0 in four outings last April and was unbeaten over his first nine turns before losing to Minnesota on July 10.

Rating: 2 Units

Andriese won the fifth starter role despite a rough second half of last season when he went 2-6 with a 6.03 ERA after a strong pre-All Star Game stretch when he was 6-2 with a 2.77 mark. The 27-year-old made 19 starts in 29 appearances last season and could return to the bullpen if offseason acquisition Jose DeLeon gets off to a strong start in the minors. Justin Smoak is 3-for-3 with a homer versus Andriese, who is 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA in seven appearances (three starts) against Toronto.

Rating: 2 Units

The Padres are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter, 16-35 in their last 51 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15, and 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. While the Giants are 7-2 in their last 9 games following a loss.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Michael Fulmer gets the start for Detroit and he looked great all last season with a 3.06 ERA and 1.12 WHIP and during day games he went 5-0 in 8 starts with a 1.78 ERA, .181 BAA and 0.84 WHIP. He'll also get a Boston squad today who are not starting Xander Bogaerts or Hanley Ramirez (their typical, #3/#4 hitters) today.

Rating: 2 Units

Atlanta also has received good starting pitching from Julio Teheran and Bartolo Colon in the series, allowing just one run on six hits in 12 innings with 12 strikeouts. The Braves have struggled offensively so far, going scoreless for the first 15 innings of the season and hitting 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position. Atlanta starter Garcia, gave up nine earned runs in nine innings in a pair of losses to the Mets last season.

Rating: 3 Units

The Blue Jays led the American League in BB% at 10.1% so if he doens't have control over his pitches it could be a long day for Snell. Blue Jays should get their men on base against Snell we just have to hope that they don't leave them stranded as they did in their series against Baltimore (hitting 1 for 16 with men in scoring position). Snell faced Toronto twice last season and gave up 6 runs (3 earned) in just 7.2 innings of work. He had a .747 OPS against right-handed batters compared to a .656 OPS against left-handed batters and tonight, unfortunately for him, he will be facing NINE right handed batters.

Rating: 2 Units

Shields had won double-digit games every season since 2007 before completely falling apart last season, when his WHIP was 1.60 and he struck out 81 fewer hitters than the previous season in the same number of starts (33). He made four starts against Detroit, going 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA and a .333 opponents' batting average. Miguel Cabrera (.375 in 64 at-bats) has had terrific success against Shields, while Ian Kinsler homered four times against him in 61 at-bats.

Rating: 2 Units

Lackey was a solid, if unspectacular, addition to the Cubs’ rotation last season, as Chicago went 17-12 in his starts. Lackey is 12-4 with a 2.02 ERA in 24 career starts in St. Louis, where he pitched for the Cardinals in 2014 and 2015. The 38-year-old faced his former team four times last season, going 1-1 with a 2.03 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

Paxton will be facing a familiar foe in his season debut as he made two of his final three starts of 2016 against the Astros. The 28-year-old Canadian, who led all left-handed starters in the major leagues by averaging 96.8 miles per hour on his fastball last year, finished the campaign with a victory at Houston on Sept. 28. Houston starter Morton, who never has faced Seattle, is 46-71 with a 4.54 ERA, three complete games and two shutouts in 162 career games - one relief appearance - with Atlanta, Pittsburgh and the Phillies.

Rating: 2 Units

Hamels extended his streak of striking out at least 194 batters to seven consecutive seasons in 2016 with 200 while also posting his highest win total since 2012 despite struggling somewhat at home. The 2008 World Series MVP went 5-2 with a 4.40 ERA at Globe Life Park last year but was sharp over his last three spring outings after a rough exhibition opener, going 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA over that stretch. Hamels notched his first win in four career starts versus the Indians on Aug. 25 after allowing two hits and fanning eight over as many scoreless innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Eickhoff has never pitched against Cincinnati in his career but likely will face a lineup loaded with left-handed hitters, as southpaws batted .275 with an .816 OPS against him in 2016. Scooter Gennett, who hit a two-run homer in Monday's opener, is 2-for-6 lifetime with a homer against Eickhoff. Cincinnati starter Finnegan, in his first season as a full-time starter, took the ball 31 times in 2016 and generally was more effective in the second half of the season (2.93 ERA) than the first half (4.71) and has struck out Hernandez three times in four career at-bats. Lefties hit only .218 against Finnegan last season with two home runs in 142 at-bats.

Rating: 2 Units

Happ's 2016 campaign included career highs of 195 innings and 163 strikeouts, and his lowest ERA in a full season since 2009. The 34-year-old Illinois native was sharp in spring training, posting a 1.76 ERA in 15 1/3 innings over four starts, striking out 10 and allowing nine hits. Happ is 4-3 with a 3.56 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 12 games (11 starts) versus Baltimore - 2-0, 3.54, 1.08 in three starts last season - and is holding the Orioles' roster to a collective .229 batting average. Orioles starter Bundy had a rough spring training, recording a 7.41 ERA and allowing six home runs among 19 hits in five starts covering 17 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Straily set a career high in victories last season but gave up a National League-worst 31 homers, 18 coming on the road away from the cozy confines of Cincinnati. He settled in after a shaky first half, going 10-2 with a 3.10 ERA in 15 starts after the All-Star break. Straily, posted a 3.21 ERA but did not get a decision in two starts last season against the Nationals. Washington starter Roark saw plenty of Miami last season, going 2-4 in six starts against the Marlins with a 4.46 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

The Angels are 9-2 last eleven games in this series. While the Athletics Sean Manaea is 0-2 career team starts in this series. Matt Shoemaker is off a fine spring camp in which he had 21 K’s and only 5 BB’s, I recommend a  play on the L.A. Angels.

Rating: 2 Units

San Francisco starter Cueto arrived late to camp due to personal issues but appears to be in midseason form after posting a 1.50 ERA in three spring training starts. The 31-year-old was as good as advertised in his first season with the Giants last year while throwing 219 2/3 innings with five complete games among his 32 starts. Jake Lamb is 5-for-14 with a home run against Cueto, who is 9-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 13 career starts against Arizona. Arizona starter Corbin has struggled against Hunter Pence (12-for-25, four homers) and owns a 4-5 mark and 3.46 ERA in 16 career games (14 starts) against San Francisco.

Rating: 2 Units

If Opening Night was any indication, the rivalry between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs will provide plenty of thrills in 2017. The Cardinals host the reigning world-champion Cubs for the middle contest of their three-game series today after claiming a walk-off win in the season opener. Randal Grichuk’s RBI single in the ninth inning gave the Cardinals the victory in the roller-coaster contest after Chicago’s Willson Contreras tied the game with a three-run blast in the top of the frame. Grichuk also hit a two-run homer in the eighth and is a career .271 hitter with 17 extra-base hits in 36 career games against the Cubs. Chicago continues to give St. Louis closer Seung Hwan Oh fits, as they’ve accounted for three of the six home runs he has allowed in his brief career - including two by Contreras. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter is 1-for-27 with eight strikeouts versus Arrieta.

Rating: 2 Units

Although he went 1-0 against the Rays last season, Sabathia also logged an ugly 5.52 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in three starts covering 14 2/3 innings vs. them.  On the opposing side, few starters in the league had as dominant a second half in 2016 as Rays RHP Jake Odorizzi.  All Odorizzi did after the All-Star break was go 7-1 with a 2.71 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 14 starts covering 83 innings.  Odorizzi will look to carry that hot streak into 2017, and based on his solid Spring training campaign, there's no reason to think that at just 27 years old, he won't be able to.  And Odorizzi does by far his best work at home, where he has a 3.14 career ERA in 50 starts (vs. just 4.43 in 48 starts elsewhere).

Rating: 2 Units

The Detroit Tigers may soon run out of time with a star-laden roster loaded with veterans, but they hope to have enough in the tank to make a return to the postseason in 2017. That quest begins in Chicago today. when the Tigers and White Sox open their regular seasons in the first of three games at Guaranteed Rate Field after Monday's game was rained out. Veteran slugger Miguel Cabrera returns for his 10th season in Detroit to anchor the lineup and 34-year-old Justin Verlander gets the Opening Day start after authoring a spectacular rebound in 2016. The rebuilding White Sox have endured four straight losing seasons and will be hard-pressed to end that streak in the challenging American League Central division. Gone is ace Chris Sale, yielding the top spot in the rotation to fellow left-hander Jose Quintana, who will be making his first Opening Day start.

Rating: 2 Units

Kluber looks to put together another Cy Young Award-worthy season after matching his career high in wins last season to lead the team. The 30-year-old Alabama native, who posted a 9-1 record after the All-Star break last year, has completed at least 215 innings and struck out at least 227 in three straight seasons, and he limited opponents to a .210 batting average on the road in 2016. Adrian Beltre is 4-for-10 with a homer versus Kluber, who is 2-1 with a 3.67 ERA in four career games against Texas.

Rating: 2 Units

Kansas City is counting on another big performance from Eric Hosmer, who led the team with a career-high 104 RBIs in 2016 and placed second with 25 home runs - also a personal best. Minnesota finished with 103 losses last season - the most in the major leagues - and figure to have a difficult time recording more than the 59 victories it posted. The Twins will begin the campaign without Byung Ho Park as the South Korean slugger was re-assigned to minor-league camp despite having a superb spring at the plate (.353 average, six home runs, 13 RBIs in 19 games). Robbie Grossman likely will be the team's designated hitter and Jorge Polanco is the starting shortstop, while closer Glen Perkins (shoulder) is headed for the 60-day disabled list.

Rating: 2 Units

Cole followed up a 19-win season in 2015 with an injury-plagued campaign that saw his ERA soar by more than a run as he was limited to 21 starts. The 26-year-old, who was 2-6 with a 5.48 ERA in nine starts after the All-Star break, allowed four runs in 10 innings during Grapefruit League action, although he was knocked around for three runs in three frames in his most recent outing Wednesday against Philadelphia. Cole limited the Red Sox to two runs in seven innings in his only prior meeting with them in 2014.

Rating: 2 Units

Martinez saw his strikeout rate drop from 9.2 per nine innings in 2015 to eight last season, but the 25-year-old Dominican still posted 20 quality starts and won a career-best 16 games. Martinez will be the youngest Opening Day starter for St. Louis since Joe Magrane in 1989. Good value here with theCardinals.

Rating: 2 Units

San Francisco starter, Madison Bumgarner was 15-9, with a 2.74 ERA in 2016, setting career highs in innings (226.2) and strikeouts (251. He is one of only two pitchers to make at least 30 starts and pitch 200 innings in each of the past six regular seasons and no one forgets his postseason exploits, especially his memorable 2014 World Series performance against the Royals.  Bumgarner is 9-7 with a 2.53 ERA in 26 appearances vs. Arizona, including 25 starts (Giants are 15-10). The Giants were 13-6 against the D'backs in 2016, winning nine of 10 games in the desert! Bumgarner had a solid spring (2.52 ERA in seven starts) and is 6-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) at Chase Field. He is making his fourth consecutive Opening Day start, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his previous three.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago started Lester in each of its last two playoff series and was rewarded with dominant performances each time. The two-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox was the co-MVP of the NLCS along with second baseman Javier Baez after surrendering two runs in 13 innings in the series against the Dodgers. Lester, who got the nod over Jake Arrieta, owns a 2.50 ERA in 19 career postseason games (17 starts) and is 4-0 with a 3.72 ERA in eight career starts at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Rating: 2 Units

LA Dodgers starter, Kershaw allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings to earn the win in Game 2 at Wrigley Field after earning the save in the finale of the NLDS at Washington three days earlier. However, the former MVP is just 4-6 with a 4.39 ERA in his postseason career and has never won two games in the same series.  Chicago starter, Hendricks allowed one run on three hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings while going up against Kershaw in Game 2 and ended up with the loss in a 1-0 final. Hendricks was the regular-season ERA champion at 2.13.

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland starter, Bauer was the first to benefit from the dominance of Miller, who came on in the fifth inning of the ALDS in relief and earned the win. Bauer was scheduled to start Game 2 against Toronto before cutting his finger while repairing his drone and was pushed back to allow the pinky on his pitching hand to heal. The UCLA product enjoyed one of his best starts against Toronto on Aug. 19, when he allowed two runs in eight innings and struck out a career-high 13. Toronto starter, Stroman, has not earned a victory since Aug. 14.

Rating: 2 Units

Dexter Fowler is 18-for-44 versus Kershaw, who is 3-6 with a 4.79 ERA in the postseason. Chicago starter, Hendricks gave up two runs and four hits over 3 2/3 innings against San Francisco in the NLDS before getting hit by a batted ball and leaving the contest. The 26-year old Dartmouth product went 7-1 in his last 10 starts during the regular season and had a 1.68 ERA after the All-Star break. Hendricks was 9-2 with a 1.32 ERA at home this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Starter Colby Lewis will try to give Texas a chance today in Game 3 of the ALDS. He was limited to just 19 starts this season due to injury but he pitched much better on the road, than at home. Lewis’ home ERA was 4.60 but on the road he allowed just 40 hits over 55 2/3 innings, posting a 2.75 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. Lewis also pitched well against the Blue Jays both times he faced them this season and he's got a 2.38 ERA in nine career playoff appearances, eight of them starts.

Rating: 2 Units

LA starter Hill, is 1-1 with a 4.34 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Nationals, lost his lone postseason start back in 2007 as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Washington starter Roark, draws the Game 2 start with injured Stephen Strasburg (elbow) not on the series roster after enjoying a campaign in which he set career bests for victories and ERA while limiting opposing batters to a .228 average. The 30-year-old is making his first career postseason start and called it "a dream came true" at his press conference on Friday. "

Rating: 2 Units

The stumbling Blue Jays have lost seven of their last nine as they prepare to host the last-place Tampa Bay Rays today to begin a critical three-game series before heading to the West Coast for the next seven contests.  Tampa Bay starter, Odorizzi has yielded 14 total runs in his previous nine starts while completing at least six innings in eight of them. Odorizzi, is 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA in four starts against Toronto in 2016. While Toronto starter, Liriano, is 2-3 with a 5.32 ERA in nine games (eight starts) lifetime against the Rays.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago starter, Arrieta took a tough loss last time out against San Francisco, allowing three runs (two earned) over six innings in a 3-2 setback. The 30-year-old has just two quality starts in his last five outings and has issued 17 walks in 31 2/3 innings over that span. Arrieta has never faced the Astros. While Houston starter, Fiers picked up his 10th win Monday at Cleveland, giving up two runs and seven hits over five frames. Fiers is 3-1 with a 1.71 ERA in five games (four starts) against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

Texas starter, Lewis is set to make his first start in the majors in more than two months after he was diagnosed with a strained muscle in his back following his only loss of the season on June 21. The 37-year-old topped out at 66 pitches and was ineffective over three minor-league rehab starts, failing to factor into the decision in any of those outings despite giving up 11 runs over 10 innings. Lewis is only 8-11 with a 6.26 ERA in 26 games (24 starts) against the Angels. LAA starter, Weaver allowed one run in six frames to get the victory versus the Rangers in his season debut in April 10, improving to 16-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 38 starts against them.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kansas City Royals have handed Chris Sale more losses than any other opponent and look to continue that success in the finale of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. Kansas City starter, Kennedy stretched his unbeaten streak to eight starts despite giving up four runs for the second straight outing in an 11-5 victory at Minnesota on Monday. Prior to the last two starts, the 31-year-old had permitted a total of five runs over six turns, including 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a no-decision versus the White Sox on Aug. 10. Chicago starter, Sale has won only once since the All-Star break and his last three starts have typified some of the tough luck he's had in the second half.

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit starter, Verlander entered June with a 4-5 record but he's 10-2 since that time and has surrendered two runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts. He did not factor in the decision last time out against Sale and the White Sox despite allowing only three hits while striking out nine over seven innings. Verlander, who is 19-13 with a 3.87 ERA against Chicago. While Chicago starter, Sale has won only once in eight starts since the All-Star break.

Rating: 2 Units

The Mariners were outscored 28-11 in Texas, part of a stretch in which they have dropped 10 of 12 overall to fall five games out of the second wild card. Pitching has been a culprit in the tailspin for Seattle, which has allowed fewer than four runs only once in the last dozen contests. The Rangers (82-55), meanwhile, own the best record in the American League and are 37-20 versus division foes.  Texas starter, Hamels beat Seattle with a pair of seven-inning stints earlier this season, permitting three runs total. While Seattle starter, Hernandez matched his shortest start of the season at Texas on Wednesday, giving up six runs on four hits and four walks over four innings to drop to 17-23 against the Rangers.

Rating: 2 Units

Baltimore starter, Jimenez, who is 4-2 with a 2.87 ERA in six career appearances against the Rays. While Tampa Bay starter, Andriese has struggled since returning to the rotation last month, especially in his last five starts where he has permitted 24 runs over 25 innings. The 27-year-old California native gave up season highs of seven runs and 10 hits across four innings last time out against Boston. Adam Jones is 3-for-5 versus Andriese, who is 0-2 with a 7.04 ERA against Baltimore after suffering a loss in June. Baltimore has had their way versus the Rays in 2016 -- winning nine of 12 games and launching 19 homers.

Rating: 2 Units

Lugo has made a seamless transition from the bullpen while going 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in his last three starts and provided much-needed help for the Mets’ injury-plagued starting rotation. The 26-year-old rookie allowed two runs over six innings and retired the final eight batters he faced in last Tuesday’s 7-4 victory over Miami. Lugo has pitched well at Citi Field, going 1-1 with a 2.76 ERA in six games.

Rating: 2 Units

Shoemaker won for the third time in as many outings in Monday's triumph over Cincinnati, allowing two runs on seven hits with no walks and seven strikeouts over as many innings. Since posting a 9.12 ERA over his first five turns this season, the Eastern Michigan product has recorded a 2.96 ERA over his last 21 starts. While Seattle starter Iwakuma fell to 0-3 with a 5.63 ERA over his last three trips to the mound following Monday's loss to Texas, giving up five runs on six hits across only three innings. The 35-year-old has surrendered four home runs during his slide and is in danger of matching his career high in that department from 2013 if he yields another homer before the end of the season

Rating: 2 Units

Graveman had his quest for a third consecutive victory stopped Tuesday as he took the loss at Houston after giving up three runs and four hits in seven innings. The 25-year-old native of Alabama yielded a total of one run over 15 2/3 frames in his previous two outings, including his first career shutout Aug. 19 versus the White Sox in Chicago. Graveman has made two appearances against Boston in his career, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings without recording a decision.

Rating: 2 Units

New York starter, Pineda escaped Seattle last Monday with a no-decision after surrendering five runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings against his former team. The 27-year-old Dominican has been victorious only once in his last five outings and has yielded five runs in four of his last nine turns. Pineda fell to 3-4 lifetime against Kansas City on May 11, when he was tagged for six runs on six hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Oakland starter, Manaea shined in a win over Cleveland on Tuesday, allowing one run and a season low-tying three hits while fanning eight over seven innings. The one run came on a home run and the 24-year-old has allowed eight of those in his last six outings. Manaea's major-league debut came against the Astros on April 29 and he allowed four runs in five innings, but the former first-round pick rebounded to spin seven scoreless in a no-decision at Houston on July 10. While Houston starter, after allowing three runs in 18 1/3 innings over his first three career starts, Musgrove has been pounded for 13 runs and 19 hits over 9 1/3 frames in his last two appearances. He also has just four strikeouts in those rocky outings after producing 21 over the course of the first three.

Rating: 2 Units

Seattle starter, Iwakuma has factored into the decision in each of his last 18 turns (13-5, 3.56 ERA), although he lost consecutive outings for the first time during that streak after surrendering three runs over six innings Wednesday versus the New York Yankees. Despite his recent struggles, the 35-year-old is 5-3 with a 2.77 ERA in eight turns since the All-Star break. Iwakuma defeated Texas by allowing three runs over seven frames to improve to 9-5 with a 3.38 ERA against the Rangers in 18 career games (17 starts).

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona starter, Bradley allowed three runs in five innings Tuesday against Atlanta and has gone 0-2 with an 8.22 ERA in five starts this month. The 24-year-old missed time in 2014 and 2015 due to injury and could be making one of his final starts this season if the Diamondbacks decide to impose an innings limit on their talented rookie. Bradley allowed three runs and issued five walks over five frames in a 6-2 loss to Cincinnati on July 22.

Rating: 2 Units

Andrew Cashner was expected to make his first start against his former team in the series finale but was scratched due to a blister, prompting the Marlins to recall Nicolino from Triple-A New Orleans. The 24-year-old was bounced back to the minors last month after allowing a total of 18 runs and 33 hits in 19 1/3 innings over his last four major-league turns. Nicolino was knocked around for six earned runs in 4 2/3 frames in his last minor-league start on Monday.

Rating: 2 Units

Baltimore starter, Gausman recorded his second straight win on Tuesday after scattering six hits over as many scoreless innings in an 8-1 triumph versus Washington. The 25-year-old has pitched well in three outings this season against New York, but only has an 0-1 mark to show for it. Gausman yielded just three hits over eight shutout innings of a no-decision on May 5 and one run in six frames to receive the same fate one month later before taking the loss despite permitting two runs in 6 2/3 innings of a 2-1 loss on July 18. While NY starter, Sabathia's 2-7 mark with a 5.32 ERA at Yankee Stadium this season leaves plenty to be desired.

Rating: 2 Units

Atlanta starter, Foltynewicz has made great strides while working through an up-and-down summer, winning four of his past six decisions. He took a no-decision Wednesday against Minnesota, striking out seven while allowing two runs on five hits. He gave up two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts in a seven-inning effort May 8 against the Diamondbacks without getting a decision. While Arizona starter, Godley has bounced between the bullpen and rotation since being recalled in mid-June, but a 5 1/3-inning relief stint Aug. 12 at Boston led to a start Wednesday against the New York Mets. He made five starts from July 5-Aug. 3 but struggled, posting a 6.18 ERA while giving up 36 hits in 27 2/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Bettis recorded six quality starts in a seven-game stretch before Mother Nature intervened on Tuesday, limiting the 27-year-old to just three innings against Washington. Bettis owns a 4-0 mark in his last eight trips to the mound, yielding three runs or fewer in seven of those outings. He handcuffed Milwaukee in his lone career encounter, permitting a solo homer for his lone damage over 6 1/3 innings to pick up the win last year.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston starter Keuchel fell to 1-3 in his last four starts as he followed up a three-hit shutout versus Texas on Aug. 5 with a clunker against St. Louis on Tuesday. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner allowed six runs on as many hits in five innings of an 8-5 setback to the Cardinals. The road hasn't been kind to Keuchel, who is 4-7 with a 5.74 ERA and 1.51 WHIP away from Minute Maid Park this season. While Baltimore starter, Gallardo owns an impressive 15-4 mark in 21 career starts against Houston, highlighted by 115 strikeouts in 133 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

NYY starter, Green has not started on the road since July 8, when he was battered for seven runs and five hits — four homers — in 4 1/3 frames at Cleveland. Green, who never has faced the Angels, is 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA in four games (three starts) away from home this year.