Rating: 2 Units

The Kansas City Royals are one win away from the World Series. The Royals will try to clinch their first pennant since 1985 and a sweep of the American League Championship Series when they host the Baltimore Orioles in Game 4 today. Kansas City entered the series with a hot bullpen and continues to deploy that weapon in the ALCS while showing a much more balanced offense than it was given credit for prior to the serie

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Guthrie missed out on the fun in the wild-card game and the ALDS but gets the nod against his former team in Game 3. The veteran spent five seasons at the top of Baltimore's staff without making the playoffs before leaving via free agency following the 2011 campaign. Guthrie finished the regular season strong, allowing a total of one earned run in 20 1/3 innings over his last three starts

Rating: 2 Units

Hudson lost his final four starts of the regular season. The 39-year-old veteran merely was average at home during the regular season, going 5-5 with a 3.94 ERA in 14 starts. Hudson is 4-4 with a 5.26 ERA in 13 career outings against St. Louis. In addition, The St. Louis Cardinals will be without standout catcher Yadier Molina when the scene shifts to San Francisco for today’s Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

Rating: 2 Units

Lynn has been roughed up in three career regular-season outings against San Francisco, losing each start to go with a 7.98 ERA. He has won 48 regular-season games over the past three seasons and might be the Cardinals’ best pitcher in this series after Adam Wainwright’s second straight sub-par effort in the opener. The 33-year-old Peavy has been re-energized since being acquired with a 6-4 mark and 2.17 ERA in 12 regular-season starts

Rating: 2 Units

The 20-game winner is rumored to be having elbow issues, but Cardinals manager Mike Matheny insists the reports are highly exaggerated. He didn’t look too sharp against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS as he was roughed up for six runs and 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings. Wainwright is 5-5 with a 3.11 ERA in 12 career appearances (10 starts) against San Francisco after going 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two turns this year.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Ventura dominated the Los Angeles Angels in the AL Division Series, allowing one run and five hits while striking out five in seven innings. The 23-year-old rookie regularly reaches 100 miles per hour with his fastball and only issued one walk at Los Angeles. Ventura faced Baltimore twice during the regular season and went 1-1 while yielding a total of two runs and striking out 17 in 14 1/3 frames.

Rating: 2 Units

Tillman battled through five innings against Detroit in Game 1 of the ALDS and held the Tigers to a pair of solo home runs in earning the win. The 26-year-old completed seven innings only once in his last seven starts but issued only one walk against Detroit while striking out six. Tillman had no trouble going deep into the game against the Royals on May 16, when he tossed a five-hit shutout. Shield's reputation outpaces his actual results as he is 3-4 with a 4.96 ERA in eight career postseason starts, including 0-2 in the ALCS.

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzalez finished the regular season with a flourish, winning four of his final five starts - highlighted by a 3-0 triumph over the New York Mets on Sept. 25 in which he allowed one hit and struck out a career-high 12 over seven innings. The 29-year-old recorded a 2.48 ERA in September, which is over a full run less than the mark he posted this season.  While Gonzalez excelled in the final month, Vogelsong limped to an 0-4 mark with a 5.53 ERA in September. The 37-year-old permitted four runs for the third straight outing en route to a 4-1 setback to San Diego on Sept. 26. Vogelsong was blitzed for six runs in as many innings of a 9-2 loss to Washington on June 9 before receiving a no-decision after allowing three runs and four hits in 5 1/3 frames on Aug. 24.

Rating: 2 Units

Matt Carpenter continued his offensive onslaught with a double and a solo blast as he improved to 6-for-12 with three doubles, three homers and seven RBIs in the series. The NL Central-champion Cardinals have had their way with several Los Angeles pitchers, pounding Kershaw for eight runs in the series opener while reaching the relief trio of Elbert, J.P. Howell and Pedro Baez for a total of six runs in 3 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kansas City Royals look to complete a stunning sweep when they host the Los Angeles Angels in Game 3 of their best-of-five American League Division Series today. Kansas City won both of the first two games in extra innings on the road to shock Los Angeles, which had the AL’s best record in the regular season. LAA hurler Wilson has struggled mightily on the road, going 4-8 with a 5.31 ERA in 16 starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Greinke finished the 2014 campaign with an eight-game unbeaten streak that included five victories. The 30-year-old former American League Cy Young Award winner allowed more than two earned runs only twice during his run and yielded fewer than two on four occasions. Greinke is also 57-15 when pitching as a favorite of -150 or higher, 35-10 in his last 45 home games, and 32-14 when coming off a team loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Matt Shoemaker recovered from an oblique injury and draws the start for Game 2 when the host Los Angeles Angels try to even their American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals today. Shoemaker suffered the injury against Seattle on Sept. 15 and was pronounced fit after a bullpen session. Shoemaker is 0-1 with a 10.00 ERA in two 2014 starts against the Royals and was roughed up for eight runs and 11 hits in four innings in the second outing.

Rating: 2 Units

After being reduced to a spectator during his team's postseason run two years ago, Stephen Strasburg makes his playoff debut today as the Washington Nationals host the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the best-of-five National League Division Series. The 26-year-old fireballer was held out of the 2012 postseason by Washington in a bid to protect his surgically repaired right elbow. Fast forward to the present, and it's full steam ahead as the East champion Nationals breezed to the NL's best record of 96-66 and also won five of the seven meetings with the Giants this season. Strasburg finished the season with a flourish, tossing 20 shutout innings over his last three starts while posting victories in six of his last seven decisions

Rating: 2 Units

Chen allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts but took the loss in the last two. The Taiwan native issued only 35 walks in 185 2/3 innings in 2014 and yielded just one home run in those five September outings. Chen missed Detroit earlier this season and is 1-0  over two starts in his career against the Tigers. Verlander was knocked around for five runs in six innings at Orioles Park at Camden Yards on May 14.

Rating: 2 Units

Vargas had a rough September, going 1-3 with a 6.57 ERA in five outings. He had a 6.10 ERA in two no-decisions against Los Angeles this season and is 5-4 with a 3.02 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) against the Angels. Vargas went 9-8 with a 4.02 ERA for Los Angeles in 2013 before leaving as a free agent and signing with Kansas City. Weaver didn’t face the Royals this season and is 7-4 with a 2.21 ERA in 12 career starts. This will be his fourth career postseason start and he is 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in six appearances (three starts).

Rating: 2 Units

Tillman had a string of 20 straight starts allowing three or fewer earned runs come to an end in his final regular-season turn at Toronto on Friday, when he was reached for four runs and 11 hits in six frames. The 26-year-old did not walk a batter in that start and has issued two or fewer free passes in each of his last five outings. Tillman last faced the Tigers in Detroit on April 6 and held them to one run on five hits in 8 1/3 innings to pick up the win.

Rating: 2 Units

Volquez is coming into the start hot after back-to-back scoreless outings against Milwaukee and Atlanta. The Dominican Republic native struggles with his control from time to time but struck out 10 while issuing only one walk over seven innings at the Braves on Thursday. Volquez is facing the Giants for the first time this season. Bumgarner had a string of nine straight starts allowing three or fewer earned runs come to an end in his final start of the regular season, when he yielded three home runs and was charged with four runs in 7 1/3 innings at the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 25-year-old matched his shortest start of 2014 at home against Pittsburgh on July 28, when he was reached for five runs in four innings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kansas City Royals are playing a postseason game for the first time in 29 years when they host the Oakland Athletics in today’s American League wild-card game. The Royals have been perennial pushovers since winning the 1985 World Series before recently emerging behind a rock-solid bullpen. Shields was 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts against Oakland this season and is 6-4 with a 3.82 ERA in 15 career outings against the Athletics. He went 2-1 with a 2.31 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in five September starts.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Wainwright had some rocky outings last month but has been magnificent down the stretch, winning five consecutive starts and taking a 21-inning scoreless streak into today's start. Wainwright blanked the Chicago Cubs on three hits over seven innings last time out after tossing a complete-game shutout versus Milwaukee in his previous turn. Wainwright had permitted two runs over his last four starts as he seeks his career-high 21st win.

Rating: 2 Units

After a difficult 2013, Fiers has reestablished himself as a potential piece of the Brewers' long-term rotation plans with a bounce-back season. The 29-year-old has lost his last two starts, but the Brewers mustered only one run between them while Fiers allowed three earned runs over 12 innings. Fiers is 2-0 with a 0.63 ERA in three games (two starts) against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

Hamels has been outstanding in the second half, going 6-3 with a 1.91 ERA and has allowed just 19 earned runs in 13 starts. Since going 0-2 with a 7.02 ERA in his first three starts, Hamels has surrendered more than three earned runs once in 26 games - going 9-6 with a 2.05 ERA. Hamels is 2-0 with a 0.45 ERA in three starts against the Braves in 2014 and is 16-8 in 34 career games versus Atlanta.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to eclipse last season's win total Saturday when they vie for a series victory against the visiting Colorado Rockies. The National League West-champion Dodgers (92-68) benefited from a six-run sixth inning in Friday's 7-4 triumph to post their third win in a row and ninth in 13 outings

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Despite yielding three runs or fewer for the 28th time in 32 outings and collecting nine strikeouts, Lynn suffered his second straight loss in Sunday’s 7-2 defeat against Cincinnati. The 2012 All-Star, who is 5-4 with a 2.17 ERA since the All-Star break and 2 1/3 innings shy of reaching 200 for the second consecutive year, allowed three runs in six frames versus the Reds. Lynn settled for a no-decision in his only start against the Diamondbacks this season on May 22, but is 2-0 with a 2.52 ERA all-time versus Arizona.

Rating: 2 Units

Strasburg is working on a 14-inning scoreless streak as he aims to stay sharp for the postseason. The 26-year-old former No. 1 pick has posted quality starts in seven of his last eight outings, going 5-1 with a 1.88 ERA over that span. Strasburg is 8-5 with a 3.66 ERA in 18 starts against the Marlins, Miami hurler Eovaldi has lost nine of his 10 decisions since the All-Star break -- and seven straight since his last win Aug. 8

Rating: 2 Units

Peavy has been outstanding since being traded from Boston on July 26, and he continued to impress Monday with seven strong innings against the Dodgers. The 2007 Cy Young award winner has a 1.63 ERA over his last nine starts while completing at least six frames in seven of those outings. Peavy is making his first career appearance against the Padres after going 92-68 in 212 starts for San Diego from 2002-09.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Cahill fell to 0-3 with a 7.23 ERA in September following a 5-1 setback in Colorado on Saturday. The 2006 second-round pick of the Oakland Athletics surrendered five runs on a season-high 10 hits in only five frames and is winless in six turns after compiling back-to-back victories in mid-August. Cahill made two relief appearances versus the Cardinals on consecutive days in May and is 0-3 with a 4.01 ERA all-time against them. Arizona is 1-8 over its last nine contests and has scored a total of 23 runs in the losses – numbers that do not bode well against a St. Louis pitching staff that has recorded a 2.53 ERA in September.

Rating: 2 Units

Noesi suffered his second straight loss after yielding three runs on six hits in as many innings in a 3-1 setback to Tampa Bay on Saturday. The 27-year-old Dominican, who hasn't won since Aug. 27, was shelled in his last meeting with Kansas City on June 14. Noesi allowed five runs on eight hits and matched his shortest outing of the season as he exited after 3 2/3 innings in a 9-1 loss.

Rating: 2 Units

After having a start pushed back due to tightness in his back, Peacock was blitzed for seven runs on six hits in 3 1/3 innings en route to a 10-5 loss to Seattle last Friday. The 26-year-old has struggled mightily away from home, posting a 1-5 mark with an inflated 5.51 ERA.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Kershaw labored through five innings at the Chicago Cubs last time out, giving up three runs on seven hits, but still managed to win his sixth consecutive start. Kershaw won at San Francisco on Sept. 14 with eight innings of two-run ball to improve to 13-5 with a 1.44 ERA lifetime against the Giants. Kershaw has tormented Pence, who is 4-for-49 with 11 strikeouts against him, while limiting Brandon Crawford to 1-for-17.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Roark has won all four of his career starts against the Mets, including three this season, posting a lifetime 3.04 ERA against New York. He tossed seven scoreless innings in his last outing - a 3-0 win over Atlanta in which he continued to excel despite not striking out many hitters. The Nationals seek their ninth win in their last 10 games

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Wainwright has an overall ERA of 2.45, but it gets even better away from home. His ERA falls all the way to 1.82 and boasts a 0.99 WHIP and .260 OBP. We are also getting one of, if not the hottest pitcher at the moment. He has been stellar, giving up only 2 runs in his past three games. Wainwright's ERA stands at 0.69 with a 0.88 WHIP and .240 OBP in those games, including a 9 inning shutout in his last outing against the Brewers. In his last start in Chicago at Wrigley, Wainwright allowed no runs in 7 innings back in July. If Wainwright is one of the hottest pitchers, Wood is one of the coldest. He holds a 6.57 ERA his last three, but it doesn't tell the whole story, as his WHIP is 1.95 and .414 OBP in those starts. Wood has an ERA of 4.27 at Wrigley this season and 1.38 WHIP

Rating: 2 Units

Liriano held the Red Sox to one run on three hits in six innings in a 9-1 victory on Wednesday. Since allowing seven earned runs against the Braves on Aug. 19, the Dominican Republic native has given up only three runs in 33 innings across five games. Liriano, who has posted a 2.39 ERA in 13 starts since coming off the disabled list, is holding right-handed batters to a .208 average overall. Pittsburgh has won 13 of its last 16 while Atlanta is  4-14 this month, scoring two runs or less 11 times and being shut out on five occasions

Rating: 2 Units

Paxton is a remarkable 9-3 with a 1.91 ERA through his first 15 career starts even after suffering a tough loss at the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. He let up three runs and four hits in 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight batters for the second straight start. The 25-year-old Canadian, who has not allowed a home run in 49 1/3 innings over his last eight appearances, will be making his first career start north of the border. Happ has lost three straight decisions and six of his last seven after giving up four earned runs in six innings of a 6-1 setback at Baltimore on Wednesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Kluber is coming off his third straight stellar performance, a seven-inning outing at Houston on Tuesday in which he allowed one run while recording a career-high 14 strikeouts en route to victory. The 28-year-old came within two outs of his second straight complete game on Sept. 11 against Minnesota, yielding two runs and eight hits.   Swarzak has not fared well versus Cleveland in his career, going 2-5 with a 6.26 ERA in 19 games - including five starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzalez is aiming for the top of the Orioles rotation in the postseason and had a string of five straight starts allowing two or fewer runs come to an end last time out on Sept. 13. The Mexico native was reached for three runs on as many hits in six innings against the New York Yankees in that one to absorb a loss. Gonzalez tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings at Boston on Sept. 8, scattering six hits and three walks in a win.

Rating: 2 Units

Strasburg has won four of his last five decisions and pitched seven scoreless innings to beat Atlanta 4-2 on Monday. The 26-year-old allowed one run or fewer in seven of his previous 10 starts and recorded 28 strikeouts without a walk over the last four outings. The Nationals have won 11 of their last 14 contests and lead the Los Angeles Dodgers by 2 ½ games for the best record in the National League. Miami has been eliminated from the NL wild-card race after dropping eight of its last 11 games

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

House is 1-0 with a 0.86 ERA over his last three starts and earned a win with eight strikeouts over seven scoreless innings against the Twins in his last start on Sept. 11. The Louisiana native owns 20 strikeouts without a walk in 21 innings over those three turns. House is 2-0 while surrendering a total of three runs in 17 1/3 innings over three career starts against Minnesota.

Rating: 2 Units

Despaigne is winless in his last six turns and has been lit up for 12 runs – nine earned – in 10 total innings over his last two. The Cuba native walked three in each of those two starts after totaling three free passes in his previous four outings. The Padres have not faced the Giants since dropping two of three at home from July 4-6.

Rating: 2 Units

Control has been a big issue for Wheeler in his second major-league season while recording 74 walks -- tied for third-most in the majors through Wednesday. Wheeler gave up six runs on seven hits in only four innings Saturday against Washington, and is 1-2 in his past four starts with a 4.57 ERA. He lost to the Braves on Aug. 27 in New York, and is 0-2 with a 3.70 ERA in four starts against Atlanta this season

Rating: 2 Units

Gausman is trying to lock up a rotation spot as well, although he is eyeing a shot at an October start as opposed to next April. The LSU product went seven scoreless innings against the New York Yankees last Friday, yielding seven hits and striking out seven without factoring in the decision. Gausman has made five career appearances – two starts – against the Red Sox, going 1-0 with a total of three runs allowed and 19 strikeouts in 15 frames.

Rating: 2 Units

Greinke has recorded four straight quality starts and won his last three decisions. The 30-year-old tossed six scoreless innings in Saturday's rout of the Giants to reach the 15-win plateau for the fourth straight season. Greinke is 4-2 with a 3.92 ERA in six starts against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

Miley is making his 100th career start and hoping to improve on Tuesday's performance against the Giants when he walked four batters and allowed three runs over two innings. The 2012 All-Star is winless in his last seven starts since July 30. Miley is 3-4 with a 3.51 ERA in nine career games (eight starts) against San Francisco while struggling to contain Buster Posey, who has gone 9-for-22 with one home run against the left-hander.

Rating: 2 Units

Scherzer enjoyed one of his better outings over the last month despite walking a season high-tying four batters, holding the Royals to one run on seven hits in 6 2/3 frames in a 4-2 victory on Tuesday. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner was 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA over his previous four turns, but bounced back to notch his third consecutive 16-win season. Scherzer has won each of his last five starts versus the Twins and is 8-2 with a 4.48 ERA in his career against them.

Rating: 2 Units

Santana gave up six runs (five earned) Tuesday against Washington in five innings with four walks, losing for the second time in his past three decisions over four starts. The 31-year-old beat the Nationals in that Aug. 8 matchup with Strasburg, but is 1-2 with a 6.35 ERA and 13 runs allowed in three games versus Washington this season. Santana has a 7.36 ERA in his first two September starts, after posting a 2.52 mark in July and 3.16 in August.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

After a brutal start to the season, Santiago improved to 5-0 in his last 12 outings after allowing one solo homer in five innings in a 9-3 victory over Texas on Tuesday. The 26-year-old has yielded one earned run or fewer in five of his last six appearances to fuel his winning streak. Santiago has earned a pair of no-decisions in two appearances versus Houston this season.

Rating: 2 Units

St. Louis, which has won 12 straight September home games dating to last season, raced to a four-run lead after two innings and held on for a 5-4 victory Saturday. Colorado is on pace to register the worst road record in team history (25-56 in 2003) after falling to 20-54 away from home - 0-5 on their six-game road trip - but scored three or more runs for the first time in 11 road games. The Rockies give the ball to Jordan Lyles, who is winless in his last six starts.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Nationals are closing in on the National League East title, and their dominance over the New York Mets has played a big part in it. The Nationals improved to 12-3 against New York this season on Saturday and carry a 9 1/2-game lead and a magic number of six for clinching the division into today's finale of a four-game series with the host Mets. Washington's Anthony Rendon is having a torrid series, going 10-for-15 with two homers and five runs scored.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Angels aren't just winning games - they are keeping the scoreboard operators busy in the process. The Angels look to extend their season-high winning streak to 10 games today when they continue their three-game set versus the visiting Houston Astros. Los Angeles matched a franchise high when it recorded at least seven runs for the eighth straight contest in Friday's 11-3 triumph in the series opener.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Fister snapped a three-start losing streak with a splendid outing on Monday, scattering two hits over seven scoreless innings in a 2-1 triumph over the Braves. The 30-year-old has dominated the Mets in three career meetings, permitting just two runs in 20 2/3 frames for a 0.44 ERA while registering a 1.11 WHIP. After allowing one run in 7 1/3 frames of a 7-1 victory over New York on Aug. 6, Fister yielded seven hits over seven scoreless innings in a 7-1 win six days later.

Rating: 2 Units

Miller has recorded four consecutive quality starts, including last Monday against Cincinnati when he tossed seven shutout innings. The Texas native has pitched at least six innings in five straight starts and made a strong case for a spot in the team’s postseason rotation. Miller, who left his start against Colorado on June 24 after 2 2/3 innings with a back strain, owns a 1-0 record and 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Rockies.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Oberholtzer posted his first victory since Aug. 2 on Friday, allowing three runs in 6 1/3 innings in a 4-3 triumph over the Athletics. The 25-year-old took it on the chin in his lone outing this season against Los Angeles, permitting five runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 frames en route to a 5-2 setback on July 3. Oberholtzer is 1-2 with a 5.89 ERA in three career meetings with the Angels while allowing the club to bat .310 against him.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Nationals haven't just made themselves at home at Citi Field - they may as well collect their mail, meet the neighbors and build a white picket fence to boot. Washington vies for its 13th consecutive victory and 27th in 31 visits to Queens when it plays the second contest of its four-game series versus the New York Mets today. Adam LaRoche continued his sizzling stretch by joining Anthony Rendon with a two-run homer as the Nationals cruised to a 6-2 triumph in the opener.

Rating: 2 Units

Mitchell is set to make his first major-league start after advancing through the top two levels of the minors this season. The 23-year-old made a brief stop at the major-league level last month and worked two scoreless innings of relief against Cleveland. Mitchell went 6-7 with a 4.37 ERA across the two levels of the minors. Baltimore’s magic number to clinch the East is eight and they had little trouble pulling off a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox this week behind a strong starting rotation.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Angels seek their eighth consecutive victory when they attempt to finish a three-game sweep of the host Texas Rangers on today. Los Angeles won the first two games by a combined 17-4 and increased its lead in the American League West to nine games over the Oakland Athletics. The Angels are the first team in the majors to reach 90 wins and are 7-2 on the 10-game road trip that concludes today.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Washington Nationals have seized control of the National League East, but they have one last major obstacle to navigate when they kick off an 11-game road trip with the opener of a four-game series at the New York Mets today. The Nationals hold an eight-game division lead over Atlanta after taking two of three from the Braves and are in a virtual tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the NL. Washington has won five in a row versus the Mets, outscoring them 26-8.

Rating: 2 Units

Liriano, who pitched six scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, has been particularly strong over his last three outings while going 1-0 with a 0.95 ERA. He has not faced the Phillies this season, although he has plenty of history against veteran outfielder Grady Sizemore, who is just 3-for-24 with 10 strikeouts against him.

Rating: 2 Units

After a dismal stretch in which Haren posted a 9.47 ERA in four July starts, the 33-year-old has gone 4-1 with a 2.04 ERA over his last six outings. The three-time All-Star is 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA in four starts against San Diego this season, including a strong outing Aug. 29 when he allowed two unearned runs over six frames.  Kennedy is 5-6 with a 4.05 ERA in 16 career starts against the Dodgers.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Los Angeles Angels are cruising toward the American League West title and seek their seventh consecutive victory when they visit the Texas Rangers on today. The Angels maintained their eight-game advantage over the Oakland Athletics with a convincing 9-3 victory over Texas on Tuesday. Los Angeles has the best record in the majors at 89-55 while the Rangers have lost nine of 10 games and possess the worst record at 54-90.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Hammel yielded one run on three hits for the second straight outing to walk away with a 6-1 win over Seattle on Monday. The 32-year-old has posted a 2-1 mark despite permitting just one run or less in four of his last five outings. Hammel was blasted for eight runs in 5 1/3 innings on July 30 before rebounding with a one-run performance in seven innings of a no-decision on Aug. 26.

Rating: 2 Units

The Seattle Mariners are one team in the American League that might be more comfortable with a one-game wild card playoff on the road. The Mariners will try to improve the AL’s best road record and wrap up a four-game sweep when they visit the Texas Rangers on today. Seattle has won five straight and is 5-1 on its current road trip, pushing its road record to 42-27 and moving the team 1 1/2 games ahead of the Detroit Tigers for the second wild card.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Angels look to complete a four-game sweep of struggling Minnesota when they visit the Twins on today. Los Angeles will also be looking for a seven-game season sweep of Minnesota as it looks to build on its six-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West. The Twins, who have lost 11 of their last 14 games, have allowed 20 runs in the series against the Angels.

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzalez has allowed three runs or less in five consecutive starts, although he had gone nine straight outings without tasting victory prior to Monday. His last time out, he limited the Los Angeles Dodgers to three runs in six innings in a 6-4 victory to earn his first win since July 5.

Rating: 2 Units

Martinez is dealing with some inconsistency in his rookie season but is coming off a solid start Sunday at Houston. The 24-year-old allowed one run on six hits and three walks in that turn but only lasted 5 1/3 innings due to a high pitch count. Martinez made his previous start at Seattle on Aug. 26 and was lit up for five runs on six hits and four walks in five innings without recording a strikeout.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Angels are expanding on their lead in the American League West and look to work on increasing it further when they visit the Minnesota Twins today. The Angels have won eight of their last 10 games and suddenly own a six-game lead over the struggling Oakland Athletics. Los Angeles won the first two games of this series, even surviving a rare blown save by Huston Street to record a 10-inning victory.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Burnett was terrific against Washington on Aug. 25 but followed up that performance by yielding five runs in six innings of a 6-5 loss to the New York Mets. That outing marked the sixth time in seven starts Burnett has surrendered at least four runs. On the bright side, he has walked only one hitter in each of his last two outings after issuing multiple free passes in each of his previous six starts.

Rating: 2 Units

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been out of playoff contention for months, but they’ll be a key factor in the National League West race over the next week. Arizona begins a three-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers today before visiting second-place San Francisco for three games starting Monday. The Dodgers, who have won 12 of their first 16 meetings with Arizona, lead the Giants by two games with 22 remaining for both teams. Arizona starter Nuno is 0-4 in 10 starts since being acquired from the New York Yankees.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The AL Pitcher and Rookie of the Month for August, Shoemaker posted his fifth straight victory after scattering five hits and striking out seven in as many scoreless innings of an 8-1 triumph over the Athletics on Sunday. The 27-year-old hasn't allowed a run in 23 1/3 frames, permitting just eight hits while fanning 22 in the process. Shoemaker, who has yet to face the Twins in his brief career, is just 3 2/3 scoreless innings from matching Bob Lee (1964) for the longest streak by an Angels rookie. Minnesota starter Nolasco hasn't won since July 1. The 31-year-old yielded eight runs on 12 hits in five innings en route to a 12-8 setback to Baltimore on Sunday.

Rating: 2 Units

Baltimore comes into this one red hot as they are 9-2 their L11 games and they've dominated righthanders this year. Wei-Yin Chen has performed well in 2014 posting a respectable 3.39 ERA in night games and he's facing a slumping Tampa team who is only 3-8 in their last 11 while only averaging 2.8 runs per game on offense. They are also a money losing 31-41 here at Tropicana Field.

Rating: 2 Units

Gibson is winless over his last three starts and has allowed 11 runs in 15 innings during the stretch. He has given up just one homer over his last five outings and just nine overall on the season. Gibson is 0-1 with a 10.13 ERA in two career starts against the Angels.

Rating: 2 Units

The Mariners continued their climb up the standings by taking two of three at Oakland, which leads the wild card standings, and they will play their next two series against bottom dwellers Texas and Houston. The Rangers have lost five in a row as they continue to set records for the number of players used in an injury-marred campaign. The Texas offense totaled five runs in losing three straight at Kansas City this week and it has not scored more than three in any of the last five contests.

Rating: 2 Units

Tepesch is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to make today's start. The 25-year-old Kansas City native struggled mightily against the Royals on Aug. 23, allowing six runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings en route to a 6-3 loss. Tepesch walked three in that contest and has issued 10 free passes in his last three outings.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Weaver has won three consecutive decisions – including two victories over Oakland. He blanked the Athletics on three hits over seven innings in his most-recent turn. Weaver is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA in three career starts against Houston. Houston starter McHugh is 1-2 in three starts against the Angels this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Zimmermann turned in his seventh consecutive quality start last Friday as he held Seattle to two runs over six frames. The two-time All-Star, who has recorded at least 10 wins in three straight seasons, went 4-0 with a 2.21 ERA in six August starts. Hanley Ramirez is 10-for-22 with a home run against Zimmermann, who is 2-1 with a 5.61 ERA in five career starts against the Dodgers, including four scoreless innings in a rain-delayed game May 5.

Rating: 2 Units

San Francisco has won six straight to pull within 2 1/2 games of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West while leading the wild-card race. The Giants totaled 31 runs in sweeping a three-game series from the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend. The Rockies (54-82) are a game better than the Texas Rangers in the race to avoid the worst record in the majors and dropped two of three in Arizona over the weekend.

Rating: 2 Units

The Baltimore Orioles seek to complete a four-game sweep of Minnesota when they host the Twins in today’s series finale. Baltimore has outscored Minnesota 24-11 while winning the first three games and has won six of seven overall to extend its American League East lead to nine games over the New York Yankees. The Twins have lost seven of their last eight games and are 1-5 during a road trip that concludes on Monday.

Rating: 2 Units

Teheran lost three starts in a row, including his first two August outings, but has won his next three starts by allowing only three runs total in 18 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old, who went 14-8 a season ago, held the Mets to one run on three hits in 6 1/3 innings Wednesday. Teheran threw his first career complete-game shutout against the Phillies on April 16 and is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in three starts against Philadelphia in 2014.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Boston will face a difficult test against Rays starter Drew Smyly. The left-hander has been brilliant since arriving in the David Price trade, going 3-1 while giving up six runs and 18 hits in 36 innings. Smyly has been especially strong in his last two starts while yielding one run and four hits over 16 innings, earning his first career shutout. The Arkansas native beat Boston on June 6 while with Detroit, permitting two runs (one earned) in six innings to improve to 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his career against the Red Sox.

Rating: 2 Units

Ryu is making his first start since landing on the disabled list with a strained right glute muscle Aug. 14. The Dodgers were eager to get the 27-year-old back in time to face the Padres, who have scored one run in three starts covering 19 innings against Ryu this season. The South Korean has won four of his last six starts and posted a 2.29 ERA in his first three outings this month.

Rating: 2 Units

San Francisco tries for its sixth consecutive victory when it hosts the first-place Milwaukee Brewers today in the finale of a three-game series as the Giants' starting rotation continues to dominate. San Francisco, which is two games clear in the National League wild-card race, moved within 2 1/2 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the West Division after Saturday's 3-1 victory, which was highlighted by Jake Peavy taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning. That came four days after Madison Bumgarner - today's starter - carried a perfect game into the eighth versus Colorado as the Giants have yielded only six runs during their winning streak.

Rating: 2 Units

Quintana is attempting to end a five-start winless streak and was lit up for six runs on nine hits in five innings against Cleveland on Tuesday. The Colombia native allowed at least four runs in each of his last three turns and has not completed seven innings since July 23.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Chen was optioned to the Gulf Coast League between starts to allow Baltimore to have an extra position player. He has won six of his last seven decisions and allowed three or fewer runs in eight of his last nine outings. Chen is 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA in three career starts against Minnesota, with the loss coming on May 3 as he gave up three runs - two earned - and six hits in five innings. Struggling Minnesota has dropped six of its last seven games and is 1-4 during a seven-game road trip.

Rating: 2 Units

Guthrie has won back-to-back outings and five of his last six starts. He defeated Texas in his last turn when he gave up one run and five hits in eight innings. Guthrie opposed Milone in the recent matchup and gave up four runs and five hits in seven innings to record the victory to improve to 9-3 with a 3.11 ERA in 15 career appearances (13 starts) against Minnesota.

Rating: 2 Units

Kendrick ended his four-start winless streak Friday, even though he yielded four runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings against St. Louis. The veteran, who celebrated his 30th birthday Tuesday, has allowed four or more runs in seven of his last nine starts. Kendrick fell to 5-10 lifetime against Washington on July 13, when he surrendered five runs in 5 2/3 frames.

Rating: 2 Units

Latos has not factored in the decision in his last three starts, but has recorded quality starts in five of his last six outings. He gave up one run over six innings Friday against Atlanta before the Reds lost in extra innings. The 26-year-old has fared well versus the Cubs, going 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 10 starts against them.

Rating: 2 Units

Lewis suffered his third straight setback after allowing four runs on six hits in as many innings in a 6-3 loss to Kansas City on Friday. The 35-year-old has permitted 14 runs and 21 hits during his losing skid while yielding two homers in each of his last two contests. Lewis has dropped two decisions to Seattle this season after allowing four runs in 5 1/3 innings on April 14 and five runs in six innings on May 20.

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Mariners rely on a strong pitching staff but showed off some offensive strength over the weekend in a three-game sweep at the Boston Red Sox. Seattle overcame a deficit of at least two runs in each of the three games as Dustin Ackley (six RBIs in the series), Kyle Seager and company totaled 20 runs. Texas avoided a three-game sweep and became the final team in the majors to reach 50 wins with a 3-1 triumph over Kansas City on Sunday, just its third win in the last 10 games.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Shields posted his sixth straight quality start  Tuesday by holding Colorado to two runs on nine hits in six innings while striking out six. The free agent to be owns 16 strikeouts against three walks in his last three turns and owns a 3.23 ERA in 11 home starts in 2014. Shields faced New York at home June 8 and yielded only an unearned run in six innings while striking out eight to grab a win.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Roark has allowed one run or fewer in six of his last eight starts, including Wednesday's 3-2 win against Arizona in which he allowed only five hits over seven scoreless innings. The 27-year-old Illinois native has been up and down in two starts against the Phillies this season but held them to one run over seven innings when he faced them last month. Ryan Howard and Cody Asche homered against Roark when he yielded seven runs in four innings against Philadelphia back on May 3. Washington has won 12 of its last 13 games, including Sunday's 14-6 victory over San Francisco.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Weaver is being leaned on to step up in the absence of Garrett Richards and needs to work deeper into games. The veteran has not recorded an out in the seventh inning in any of his last five starts and allowed three runs on seven hits and four walks over 5 1/3 innings at Boston on Tuesday. Weaver is making his third start of 2014 against Oakland after dropping the first two while yielding a total of 10 runs - nine earned - and 17 hits in 11 1/3 total innings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Vargas is on a roll of late, earning a win at Minnesota on Monday by holding the Twins to one run on four hits in seven innings. That marked a letdown for the veteran, who shut out Oakland on three hits and no walks in his previous outing. The Rangers (49-79) are the only team in the majors yet to reach 50 wins and have dropped six of their last seven home games.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Scherzer escaped with a no-decision at Tampa Bay on Tuesday despite surrendering four runs, his highest total since yielding 10 in a loss to Kansas City on June 17. The 30-year-old reigning AL Cy Young Award winner finished one strikeout shy of reaching double digits for the third straight start but raised his season total to 205, marking the third consecutive season in which he eclipsed the 200 mark. Scherzer improved to 7-2 lifetime against Minnesota on May 10, when he allowed three runs over six innings in a 9-3 triumph.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Iwakuma won his third straight start and fourth in five outings after scattering four hits over eight innings in a 5-2 victory versus Philadelphia on Tuesday. The 33-year-old has not allowed a run in his last two starts and permitted only four in his last five. Boston hasn't been putting on much of a show at Fenway Park after dropping seven in a row to fall to 2-8 on its 11-game homestand while the Seattle Mariners have won 13 of their last 17 to position themselves favorably in a run toward their first postseason appearance since 2001. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers look to continue their dominance against the New York Mets tonight when the teams continue a three-game series at Dodger Stadium. New York has lost five straight in Los Angeles and 12 of its last 14 games overall against the Dodgers, who stand 3 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco in the National League West following back-to-back wins. Former Met Justin Turner has been a valuable cog for the Dodgers while batting .380 in 18 games this month.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Royals own a 2 1/2-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central and have won 23 of their last 29 games, including a 5-2 mark on the current nine-game road trip. The Rangers (49-78) are the only team in the majors yet to reach 50 wins and are toiling in last place in the AL West, five games behind the Houston Astros. Texas has dropped five of its last six home games and is allowing opponents an average of 6.4 runs in those five setbacks.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Norris secured his third straight win in impressive fashion, allowing only two runs on three hits in seven innings during an 8-2 triumph over the Chicago White Sox on Monday. The 29-year-old has won four of his last six trips to the mound, yielding only one homer in that span and 13 runs and 37 hits in 36 innings. Norris has split eight career decisions versus the Cubs, but exited without one in his last outing despite recording a quality start.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Young picked up the win in three straight starts and is coming off six scoreless innings at Detroit on Sunday. The Princeton product has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 11 of his last 12 outings. Young has not faced Boston since June 23, 2007, when he allowed one hit and struck out 11 in seven scoreless frames.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Lewis is the one consistent piece in the Rangers rotation and notched a season high with 10 strikeouts on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. However, the veteran was knocked around for five runs on 10 hits - two home runs - in that turn to suffer his second straight loss. Lewis does not have much success in his career against Kansas City, posting a 1-2 record with a 6.86 ERA in five games - four starts</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Fister is coming off his third consecutive start in which he did not allow an earned run, but he was forced to settle for a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Sunday after yielding two unearned runs and five hits over seven innings. The 30-year-old has held opponents to three runs or fewer in each of his last 10 outings, going 7-1 in that span. Fister won his first career meeting with the Giants on June 10, scattering eight hits over seven scoreless frames at San Francisco.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Phillies took two of three from Seattle this week but still have won just four times in their last 12 games. They will turn to Kyle Kendrick, who has not earned a victory in nearly a month, in the series opener versus the Cardinals. St. Louis, riding a 7-1 hot stretch in its last eight games, will give the nod to ace Adam Wainwright, who is aiming to become the majors' first 16-game winner.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Gausman is coming off his third win in four starts, a 4-1 triumph at Cleveland in which he allowed one run on two hits and four walks in six innings. The 23-year-old has yielded three runs or fewer in each of his last five outings, going 3-1 in that span. Gausman, who is 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA in six road starts this season.  Baltimore improved to 4-2 on its nine-game road trip on Wednesday, completing a three-game sweep with a 4-3 triumph over the Chicago White Sox. </p>