<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Wood's winless streak has reached 11 starts dating to a victory at Philadelphia on June 15. The 27-year-old was an All-Star last season but has struggled to command the strike zone this year and issued four walks while allowing three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the New York Mets on Friday. Wood is 1-2 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts against the Giants</p>

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

<p>Shoemaker is poised to step up in Richards’ absence and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight of his last 10 appearances. The Michigan native earned a win at Texas on Saturday by holding the Rangers to two runs on four hits while striking out six in 5 2/3 innings. Shoemaker came out of the bullpen against Boston to work the final three frames of a 19-inning affair on Aug. 9 and did not allow a base runner while striking out four to pick up the win.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Kluber has been brilliant of late, allowing a total of two earned runs in 39 innings over his last five outings. The 28-year-old earned the win in each of his last six decisions and notched his eighth double-digit strikeout game with 10 K’s against Baltimore on Friday. Kluber is making his first start of the season  against Minnesota and owns a 2-1 record in seven career starts against the division rivals.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Hernandez has posted a 2.25 ERA and tossed six innings in each of his two starts since being acquired from Philadelphia on Aug. 7. The 2010 All-Star owns a 2.73 ERA while limiting opponents to a .186 batting average over his last nine outings since June 23. Hernandez will making his second career start against San Diego</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Baltimore has outscored the opposition 17-4 during its three-game winning streak and holds an 8 1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East. While the Orioles are ascending, the White Sox are plummeting as they've lost 11 of 16 to fall a season-worst eight games below .500</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Peavy has been respectable in four starts since San Francisco acquired him, and he picked up his first win in more than three months last time out. The veteran held the Chicago White Sox to one run over seven innings Wednesday for his first win since April 25. Peavy is 7-5 with a 2.78 ERA in 15 starts against the Cubs.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Los Angeles Angels have shut down the host Boston Red Sox in back-to-back games despite a pair of mediocre pitching performances and now get to send their best starter to the mound in the third of a four-game series. Garrett Richards goes for his 14th win tonight for the first-place Angels, who have won six of seven and hold a half-game lead over Oakland in the American League West. Richards is 9-2 in his last 14 starts, yielding two runs or fewer on 11 occasions. </p>

Rating: 3 Unit 

MLB Play of the Day

The Kansas City Royals have ripped off 21 victories in 26 games to surge to the top of the American League Central as they prepare to open a two-game interleague series at the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. The Royals, bidding to make the postseason for the first time since 1985, hold a two-game lead over Detroit. Colorado hurler Matzek has taken a step back since beating Pittsburgh with seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball on July 26 - his only win since his victorious major-league debut on June 11. He took the loss in relief at the Chicago Cubs three days later and dropped his next three starts - all on the road - by allowing 16 runs and 22 hits over 15 innings. The 23-year-old rookie has surrendered five homers during his three-start skid.

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Angels, winners of five of six overall, moved to 7-2 in their last nine at Fenway to take a half-game lead in the American League West. Josh Hamilton, who has five hits and 18 strikeouts in his last 38 at-bats, could return to their starting lineup after sitting out the past two games - the first per his own request. While Los Angeles owns the best record in the majors, the Red Sox continue to stumble at Fenway Park - dropping eight of their last 11 at home. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Scherzer has been outstanding in his last 10 starts while allowing two or fewer runs in nine of them, including eight scoreless innings to beat Pittsburgh on Thursday. The 30-year-old boasts 196 strikeouts and only 46 walks - 25 and two in his last two outings - over 169 innings. Yunel Escobar is 11-for-30 with a homer against Scherzer, who is 4-2 in seven career games versus the Rays with a 2.56 ERA.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Two pitchers heading in opposite directions square off today when the Seattle Mariners continue their road series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Seattle had won 10 of 12 before dropping a 4-1 decision in Monday's series opener. Today's matchup pits Seattle right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma against Philadelphia righty A.J. Burnett. Iwakuma is 6-2 with a 1.83 ERA over his last nine starts, including 6 2/3 scoreless innings against Toronto his last time out. Burnett has gone 0-4 with an 8.20 ERA in his last four appearances and the Phillies have lost eight of his last nine starts.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Vargas is coming off his best performance of the season, a three-hit shutout of Oakland that ended a three-start winless drought in which he failed to make it through six innings. It was the third start since undergoing an appendectomy for Vargas, who blanked the Twins on four hits over seven innings on July 2 in Minnesota.  Royals amassed 12 runs on 13 hits Sunday to open a 1 1/2-game lead over Detroit in the AL Central and improve to 20-5 over their last 25 games</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Workman took the loss against the Angels in his last outing Aug. 9, surrendering Albert Pujols’ solo homer in the bottom of the 19th inning. The Texas native has dropped six consecutive decisions in seven outings since his lone victory versus Baltimore on June 10.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>After moving past Detroit for the second wild card in the American League on Sunday, the Seattle Mariners look to avoid a letdown today when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies for the start of a three-game series. The Mariners have won 10 of their last 12 games and have not allowed five runs in a game this month, while Philadelphia has been working to fill holes in its starting rotation all season. Seattle completed a three-game series sweep of Detroit on Sunday with an 8-1 victory and moved a half-game ahead of the Tigers for the AL’s final playoff spot.</p>

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

<p>Fister cruised to his sixth win in his last seven turns in Tuesday’s 7-1 victory over the New York Mets, yielding seven hits in seven scoreless frames. The former seventh-round pick of the Seattle Mariners hasn't allowed an earned run in three of his last four outings and is 6-1 with a 2.01 ERA at home, where he is holding opponents to a .213 average. Fister posted his second win of the season versus the Pirates on May 25 – allowing a run over 5 1/3 innings – and is 1-1 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against them.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p> Saturday’s triumph allowed San Francisco to overtake Pittsburgh for the National League’s second wild-card spot and move within 4 ½ games of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Philadelphia – in last place in the NL East – has dropped six of eight and needs a win in the series finale to avoid a 1-4 road trip.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Los Angeles Angels have surged to the top of the American League West thanks to their strong play and Oakland's recent struggles. Los Angeles aims to remain there as it attempts to complete a three-game sweep of the host Texas Rangers today. The Angels have won four straight contests, including a pair of 5-4 triumphs over Texas, to earn a share of first place in the division with the Athletics, who have lost four in a row and six of seven.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Los Angeles Angels are tracking down the Oakland Athletics atop the American League West. The Angels will attempt to draw even closer when they visit the lowly Texas Rangers in the second of a three-game series today. The Rangers are sitting in the basement of the AL West and have dropped six of their last eight as the injuries continue to mount. Los Angeles is one game behind Oakland in the West and held off a late charge in the series opener Friday to grab their third straight win 5-4</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Teheran is 15 innings shy of the 185 2/3 frames he pitched last season, and the 23-year-old may be showing some signs of fatigue as he has lost his past three starts, allowing 13 runs on 23 hits with seven walks in 21 1/3 innings and a .280 opponents batting average. Teheran, a National League All-Star selection, is 1-3 with a 4.46 ERA in the second half after going 9-6 with a 2.71 ERA before the break.</p>

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Oakland has outscored Minnesota 39-17 in the season series, recording at least six runs in five of its six victories. The Athletics' 12-game winning streak is the longest in franchise history against the Twins-Washington Senators franchise, surpassing 11-game runs in 1909 and 1929. Minnesota's overall losing streak reached four games as Trevor May surrendered four runs on three hits and an astounding seven walks over just two innings in his major-league debut

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>De La Rosa allowed one run and six hits in six innings at St. Louis on Tuesday but did not factor in the decision in a game Boston went on to lose 3-2. That marked the seventh time in 10 major-league starts this season that the 25-year-old surrendered three or fewer earned runs. De La Rosa has yet to earn a win on the road, posting an 0-3 mark with a 5.08 ERA in five starts away from Boston.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Kershaw is so accustomed to putting up dominating performances that allowing three runs over seven innings qualifies as a disappointment. The Cy Young Award winner has allowed fewer than two runs in nine of his last 11 starts and has not yielded more than three earned runs since May 17. Kershaw put together a complete game in his last start at Milwaukee, surrendering one run on three hits to earn the win.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>James Paxton will take the mound for the Mariners and the southpaw is 2-0 with a 2.76 ERA over his first 3 starts. So far batters are hitting just .175 against him. The White Sox are only 9-23 in their last 32 road games vs a left handed starter. The Mariners are 5-2 in their last 7 games vs a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30, 4-1 in their last 5 as a home favorite, and 4-0 in Paxton's last 4 starts. Seattle is also 4-1 in their last 5 home meetings vs the White Sox. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Martinez's winless drought reached nine starts when he was knocked around for six runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings of a 12-11 loss to the New York Yankees on Tuesday. Martinez has permitted at least four runs on six occasions during the skid, going 0-6 and pitching through six innings only twice. Seeking his first victory since May 24 at Detroit, Martinez is 1-3 with a 3.66 ERA in 11 appearances (eight starts) on the road.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Scherzer is attempting to become the first to reach 14 wins this season and is in a groove with a 5-0 record and 2.08 ERA in his last seven outings. The former Cy Young winner went seven innings against Chicago on Wednesday and allowed one run and five hits to earn the win. Scherzer is facing the Yankees for the first time since Apr. 6, 2013, when he surrendered four runs and struck out seven over five innings to grab a win.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Simon has been great particularly on the road this season, entering Monday night with an ERA of 2.45, 1.05 WHIP and 7-2 record. In eleven starts on the road this season, Simon allowed more than 3 runs only once. The Reds are 7-2-1 to the UNDER in their last ten games.</p>

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

<p>Shields is in the midst of a four-start winless stretch and has gone 0-2 during the span. He lost to Minnesota in his last outing when he gave up two runs (one earned) and six hits in six innings. Shields is 5-4 with a 3.91 ERA in 13 career starts against Oakland. Kazmir is 3-0 over his last five outings and has allowed just five earned runs in 31 1/3 innings during the stretch. He defeated Texas in his last outing when he gave up two runs and seven hits over five innings</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Stroman has allowed a total of one run in 21 innings over his last three starts while striking out 20 and walking four. The 23-year-old owns a 2.12 ERA in 11 starts since moving into the rotation and has not lost since June 17. Stroman is making his first career appearance against Houston and is 2-1 with a 3.47 ERA in six road games - four starts</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Weaver escaped with a no-decision Tuesday at Baltimore, surrendering six runs on seven hits and four walks in five innings to extend his unbeaten streak to eight starts. The 31-year-old had allowed fewer than three runs in each of his previous four outings and six of seven turns prior to facing the Orioles.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Phillies are 4-9 in their last 13 games as an underdog and 6-13 against the NL East. Stephen Strasburg, has posted a 1.93 ERA in three starts against the Phillies this season. The Nationals are 17-7 in their last 24 games as a home favorite and on a 15-7 run at home. The Phillies are also 3-10 in the last 13 meetings in Washington, so grab home field.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Wilson is expected to be activated from the disabled list, where he has been since July 10 due to a sprained ankle and hip tightness. The 33-year-old is unbeaten in his last five starts, although he is just 1-0 while allowing six runs three times and four on another occasion during that span. Wilson improved to 5-2 lifetime against Tampa Bay on May 17, when he tossed a five-hitter for his seventh career complete game and second shutout.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>With Scherzer, David Price and Justin Verlander, Porcello continues to fly under the radar with the lowest ERA in the rotation. The 25-year-old New Jersey native is coming off a pair of no-decisions - including Detroit's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim on Sunday when he yielded an unearned run in seven innings.</p>

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

<p>Mikolas followed his lone victory with a brutal outing, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits and issuing a season-high four walks in 4 2/3 innings in a 9-3 loss to Oakland on Sunday. The 25-year-old brandishes a ghastly 1.67 WHIP in 26 1/3 innings in 2014. Mikolas has failed to pitch at least six innings in four of his five outings this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Lester is pitching for the first time since July 25 as the Red Sox scratched him from Wednesday’s scheduled start in anticipation of trading him. He tossed eight shutout innings of four-hit ball while beating Kansas City on July 20 to improve to 7-3 with a 1.43 ERA in 11 career starts against the Royals. Lester has a 3.52 ERA in six regular-season starts at O.co Coliseum.</p>

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

<p>Feldman was on the losing end of Thursday's matchup with Samardzija as he surrendered six runs on nine hits and five walks in 5 1/3 innings. It was the third straight defeat for the 31-year-old, who has yielded 18 runs over 23 2/3 frames in four outings since beating Detroit on June 29. Thursday's loss dropped Feldman to 5-7 with a 6.34 ERA in 23 career games - 14 starts - versus the Athletics.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>McCarthy has provided an unexpected boost to an injury-tattered pitching staff, winning his last two starts and giving up one earned run in each of his three turns since his acquisition from Arizona. He beat the Rangers in New York on Thursday, allowing one run on four hits over six innings to improve to 4-0 in his last five outings. Adrian Beltre has tormented McCarthy to the tune of 14-for-36 with two homers and 10 RBIs.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Cahill is in the midst of the worst season of his career and his latest return to the rotation has not gone well. He gave up seven runs (three earned) in four innings in a loss to Detroit on Wednesday and hasn't won since picking up a victory in relief April 23. The 26-year-old has made only one start and one relief appearance against the Reds</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Detroit Tigers still hold a comfortable five-game lead in the American League Central, but that could change in a hurry if they don't get their high-powered offense back on track. Detroit looks to leave behind its offensive struggles when it welcomes the Chicago White Sox team for a three-game series starting today.</p>

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

<p>The Oakland Athletics look to add on to the best record in the majors when they open a three-game road series against the reeling Houston Astros today. Oakland (65-39) owns a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West and has won four of five games since dropping a 12-inning affair against Houston last Tuesday. The Astros have lost five consecutive games since posting the extra-inning win and scored just five runs while losing three straight to the Miami Marlins. Houston starter Oberholtzer received a no-decision against Oakland in his last turn when he gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings. He is 0-1 with a 4.96 ERA in three starts against the Athletics this season and is 0-2 with a 4.03 ERA in four career outings. Oberholtzer is 1-3 with a 5.08 ERA in six home starts this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Phelps has won back-to-back starts to stretch his unbeaten streak to eight outings. He is 4-0 during the span after defeating the Rangers on Friday, when he gave up one run and five hits in five innings in the rain-shortened game. Phelps is 2-0 with a 4.38 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against Texas.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The red-hot Rays had their nine-game winning streak snapped in a 3-2 home loss to Boston on Sunday, but the current hot spell has them within 4 1/2 games of the second wild card in the American League. Tampa Bay has received stellar pitching during its 9-1 tear, allowing only one opponent to score more than three runs. Rookie right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who has lost only once in his last seven starts, will oppose Lohse as he seeks to win his third straight start.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays look to take advantage of the sinking Boston Red Sox for the second time in a week as they open a three-game series in Boston today. Toronto took three of four at home against the Red Sox to begin last week before winning two of three at the New York Yankees over the weekend, pulling to within three games of first-place Baltimore in the American League East. Overall, the Blue Jays have won seven of nine following a 2-9 stretch.</p>

Rating: 2 Units

<p>Kazmir is 2-0 over his last four starts, allowing just three earned runs and 17 hits in 26 1/3 innings during the stretch. He wasn’t involved in the decision against Houston in his last turn despite giving up only one earned run and seven hits in seven innings. Kazmir is 7-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 15 career starts against Texas, including a victory April 29 when he allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings. Texas starter Mikolas has been roughed up in both his home starts, giving up 13 earned runs and 21 hits over nine innings.  Oakland has won 13 of 16 on Sunday and is averaging over 6.3 runs per game the past week. They are 10-1 this year as a road favorite off a road win where they scored 5 or more runs. Texas has lost 17 of 21 this month and 14 of the last 17 vs Winning teams. The Rangers are 0-4 as a home dog off a home loss where they scored 2 or less runs. </p>

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

<p>The Cardinals used four RBIs from Matt Adams to snap a season-long four-game skid with a 6-3 win Saturday. The victory kept them within three games of first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Cubs have dropped 14 of 18 games, scoring three runs or fewer 10 times in that stretch.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>With a seven-game losing streak now behind them, the Cincinnati Reds try to get their slumping offense going when they host the Washington Nationals today in the rubber match of a three-game series. The Reds, playing without injured Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips in the middle of the lineup, have totaled 14 runs in eight games since the All-Star break after a 1-0 victory Saturday. The Nationals are 15-7 in their last 22 contests to take over first place in the National League East.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Verlander posted his third win in four starts Monday, allowing three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings at Arizona. The 31-year-old has surrendered at least three runs in 11 of his last 13 outings and has yet to keep an opponent under two runs this season. Verlander has had his difficulties with Los Angeles over his career, going 4-5 with a 4.08 ERA in 12 starts.</p>

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

<p>Pittsburgh remained tied with St. Louis - three games behind Milwaukee in the National League Central and one-half game behind Atlanta for a wild-card berth - after falling to 5-2 since the All-Star break as it continues a stretch of 16 straight contests against NL West teams. Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (.318, 17 homers, 63 RBIs), the 2013 NL MVP, is 6-for-26 with zero homers and two RBIs in seven contests since making his fourth consecutive All-Star game appearance. Pittsburgh's Jeff Locke opposes rookie Tyler Matzek in a rematch of the Pirates' 5-3 victory Sunday, when neither received a decision.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Indians are 5-1 in their last six road games vs. teams with winning records and 6-2 in McAllister's last eight starts inside the American League Central. The Royals are just 2-7 in their last nine games as home favorites.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Chris Sale looks to keep alive a phenomenal run today when he leads the Chicago White Sox into the third of four straight matchups at Minnesota. The lanky left-hander has allowed three runs or less in seven straight starts and exactly one run in each of his last three outings, including seven dominant frames against Kansas City on Monday. Sale is 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA over a four-start span and is part of a White Sox trio of southpaws who have combined to go 23-14 this year.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Tigers have not seen Tyler Skaggs, which generally favors the pitcher. Detroit has also fared poorly vs Smyly on regular four days rest where they are 0-4 in his last four. The Angels have killed this type of pitching as they are 36-15 in their last 51 against a starter with a WHIP of greater than 1.30. In addition Detroit is only 14-38 in their last 52 in this ballpark. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Colorado snapped a seven-game slide with a win over Washington on Wednesday but is operating without MVP candidate Troy Tulowitzki (hip) and is only 7-25 over its last 32 games. The Pirates held the Rockies, who lead the majors in batting average and slugging percentage, to a total of seven runs in the three-game sweep last weekend and finished up their homestand by taking two of three from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pittsburgh is battling Milwaukee and St. Louis for the top spot in the NL Central and embarking on a key 10-game road trip against teams from the West beginning with the Rockies.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>While the Athletics have won 12 of their last 17, the reeling Rangers lost their final three contests of the four-game series to the New York Yankees and a blistering 27 of 32 games. Bright spots are few and far between for tumbling Texas, which saw J.P. Arencibia launch a homer for the second time in three outings. Unfortunately for Arencibia, those blasts were the lone hits in 12 at-bats in that stretch and he is 2-for-13 versus Friday starter Jason Hammel. Texas pitcher Williams made 26 appearances out of the bullpen for the Astros while going 0-1 with a 6.10 ERA in two starts. The 32-year-old owns a 4-5 career mark with a 4.19 ERA in 16 career appearances (nine starts) against the Athletics.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Cardinals are 8-3 in their last 11 as a road favorite, 14-6 in Kelly's last 20 road starts and 8-3 in his last 11 starts as a favorite. The Cubs are just 3-13 in their last 16 games overall, 1-10 in their last 11 as an underdog, and 7-18 in Wood's last 25 starts as a home underdog. St Louis has won 10 of their last 14 meetings with Chicago</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Feldman bounced back from a disastrous outing by limiting the White Sox to three runs over seven innings in Chicago on Friday but still suffered his fifth loss in six decisions. The 31-year-old has kept Houston in the game over his last eight starts, surrendering more than three runs only once in that span. Feldman, who is 1-3 despite a 2.95 ERA in eight road outings this season, has struggled to a 5-6 record and 6.10 ERA in 22 career games (13 starts) against Oakland.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Giants are 5-1 in their last 6 road gams, 7-1 in their last 8 road games vs a team with a losing record, and 6-1 in their last 7 vs NL East opponents, They are also 5-2 in Hudson's last 7 starts with 4 days rest, and 4-1 in his last 5 road starts. The Phillies are just 7-21 in their last 28 home games vs a team with a winning record, 0-5 in their last 5 home games, and 1-4 in Hamels' last 5 starts as a small favorite between -110 and -150. In addition the Giants are 5-0 in their last 5 meetings in Philadelphia, and the Phillies are just 1-5 in their last 6 games vs San Fran with Hamels on the mound.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Although he was unable to extend his three-game winning streak after giving up a two-run lead in the seventh inning, Weaver helped the Angels improve to 6-0 over his last six outings in a 3-2 victory over the Mariners on Friday. The three-time All-Star did not factor into the decision after yielding two runs on six hits while fanning eight in six frames. Weaver has fared well against the Orioles in his career, going 6-4 with a 3.06 ERA in 10 all-time starts.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Buster Posey's game-tying homer in the ninth set the stage for Brandon Crawford's three-run double in the 14th as San Francisco improved to 2-0 in the four-game set. The Giants also continue to receive tremendous support from their bullpen, which has given up one run in 15 innings in this series. The Phillies also need innings from their starter, but A.J. Burnett will need to be better than he was his last time out.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Sanchez worked six scoreless innings against Cleveland on Friday but came apart and was charged with four runs without recording an out in the seventh to suffer the loss. The Venezuela native is battling through some inconsistency with at least four runs allowed in three of his last five outings. Sanchez is 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA while striking out 45 in 41 career innings against Arizona.</p>

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

<p>De La Rosa received a no-decision in a 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Friday after yielding one run in six innings and leaving with a 2-1 lead. The 33-year-old Mexican is an astonishing 41-14 at Coors Field - 6-2 in 2014.  De La Rosa has yielded four or fewer hits in 11 of his 20 starts this season, tied for most in the majors with Seattle's Chris Young and the Los Angeles Angels' Garrett Richards.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Two straight wins is cause for celebration for the three-time defending American League Central champion Detroit Tigers. The Tigers will try to make it three straight when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks again on Tuesday. Detroit closer Joe Nathan pitched the final inning in each of those wins and was solid in both – a strong sign for the team’s future prospects. Detroit starter Porcello has won four of his last five starts and bounced back from the lone disaster in that stretch by holding Kansas City to one run over seven innings on July 12.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>Nationals are 5-1 in their last 6 overall, 5-1 in their last 6 vs a left handed starter, 6-2 in their last 8 road games, 45-22 in Zimmermann's last 67 starts overall and 16-5 in his last 21 starts as a road favorite. The Rockies are just 14-39 in their last 53 games overall, 8-20 in their last 28 home games, 16-35 in their last 51 games vs a right handed starter, 1-7 in their last 8 as a home underdog, and 5-21 in their last 26 vs a team with a winning record. Washington is 4-0 in their last 4 meetings overall, 5-2 in their last 7 meetings in Colorado, and 5-1 in Zimmermann's last 6 starts vs the Rockies. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Adam Wainwright looks to resume a standout season after a rough inning at the All-Star game when his St. Louis Cardinals host the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday to start a two-game inter-league set. Wainwright leads the majors in ERA (1.83) and is tied for the most wins (12), including a 1-0 triumph at Tampa Bay on June 10.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Martinez, who has been nursing a left side injury, is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start Tuesday's tilt. The 23-year-old plummeted to 0-5 in his last seven outings after allowing a season high-tying eight runs - six earned - on seven hits in five innings of an 8-3 setback to Baltimore on July 1. Martinez, who recorded his only win on May 24, was rocked for three homers by the Orioles and has served up nine in his last seven outings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Shoemaker is set to appear in his first game since July 7, when he allowed two runs over 3 2/3 innings in relief against Toronto. The 27-year-old rookie has shuffled between the bullpen and the rotation, and is 6-1 with a 4.15 ERA in nine starts while posting a 5.40 ERA in six relief appearances. Shoemaker, who is facing Baltimore for the first time, has gone 4-1 with a 2.84 in nine games (five starts) at home.</p>

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

<p>Verlander continues to show flashes of his former Cy Young Award-winning form but can’t seem to take that quality stuff through an entire outing. The 31-year-old held Kansas City scoreless over six innings on July 13 before surrendering four runs in the seventh and ending up with the loss. Verlander won his lone career start against Arizona by striking out 14 and scattering four hits over eight scoreless frames.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Colorado, which has the worst ERA in baseball at 5.08, received three consecutive quality starts over the weekend in Pittsburgh but was swept despite leading in every game to extend its losing streak to five and fall to 4-23 in its last 27 contests. Washington starterFister allowed two runs and seven hits in seven innings of a 6-2 victory at Baltimore on July 9. Fister is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in two career starts against Colorado.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Texas, which is 2-14 in July, has dropped 24 of its last 28 contests to plummet to a majors-worst 39-59 mark. NY starter Greene recorded his best outing to date after scattering four hits and striking out nine in 7 1/3 innings en route to a 3-0 victory over Baltimore on July 12. The 25-year-old rookie will be making his Yankee Stadium debut and is under the spotlight as New York addresses a host of injuries to its starting rotation. Greene has made only three appearances - and two starts - but has yielded just one homer in 13 2/3 innings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Kershaw has 80 strikeouts in 61 innings while walking just six batters during his eight-game winning streak. He is 6-1 with a 1.91 ERA in seven road starts and has 16 scoreless frames over his last two outings away from home. The 26-year-old fanned 13 in seven scoreless frames versus St. Louis at home on June 29<p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Boston Red Sox are quietly turning things around as they try to convince management to go for it again this season. The Red Sox will attempt to complete a three-game sweep when they host the Kansas City Royals in the finale of a three-game series on Sunday. The Royals are moving the opposite direction with five losses in six games and fell to .500 at 48-48 with a 2-1 setback on Saturday. Boston’s series-clinching win on Saturday was its sixth in the last seven games </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Tim Lincecum regained his top form the last month and looks to extend his winning streak to five starts when the visiting San Francisco Giants go for a three-game sweep over the slumping Miami Marlins. Miami hurler Hand, who has made 14 relief appearances this season, makes his fourth straight start after permitting six earned runs over 15 1/3 innings in the previous three. The 24-year-old Minnesota native is 1-12 with a 5.09 ERA in 20 career starts</p>

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

<p>The 35-year-old Buehrle settled for a no-decision after registering a rare inefficient performance in an 8-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on July 11. The Missouri native needed 93 pitches to get through a season-low five frames, but limited the damage to two runs on nine hits. Buehrle hasn't lost to the Rangers since 2010 – going 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA in four turns over that stretch – and is 13-5 with a 3.12 ERA in 23 all-time appearances (20 starts) against Texas.</p>

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Oakland Athletics try to extend their season-high home winning streak to eight games when they meet the Baltimore Orioles today in the middle contest of a three-game series. It appeared Oakland's run would come to an end Friday when nemesis Manny Machado hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give Baltimore the lead, but Josh Donaldson's three-run homer in the ninth gave the Athletics a 5-4 victory and their 12th victory in 13 games at O.co Coliseum.

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The streaky Atlanta offense plated 21 runs in its final two games before the All-Star break, and four days off did not cool the Braves’ bats. Atlanta recorded nine of its 10 hits Friday with two outs, and has scored at least five runs nine times in its past 18 games, going 13-5 during that stretch. The Phillies have dropped 12 of their past 18 to fall 11 games behind the Braves in the NL East,</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Pittsburgh Pirates try to continue their hot play at home against the Colorado Rockies - the worst road team in the major leagues - today in the middle contest of a three-game series. Pittsburgh won for the 10th time in its last 12 home contests with a 4-2 victory on Friday</p>

<p>Rating 2 Units</p>

<p>Scherzer earned the win with a scoreless inning for the AL in Tuesday’s All-Star Game and has allowed two or fewer runs in four straight starts. The reigning Cy Young Award winner has notched 35 strikeouts in 28 frames over that span. That stretch started at Cleveland on June 22, when Scherzer allowed one run while striking out eight over six innings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Already owning the best record in the majors and bolstered by the addition of a pair of starting pitchers in a pre-All Star break trade, the Oakland Athletics kick off the second half of the season by hosting the Baltimore Orioles on Friday in a potential playoff preview. One of the new additions, right-hander Jeff Samardzija, will make his third start for Oakland. The Athletics won eight of 11 before the break but lead the Los Angeles Angels by only 1 1/2 games in the AL West.</p>

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

<p> Dodgers are just 3-10 in their last 13 as a n underdog of +110 to +150, and 2-5 in Haren's last 7 road starts. The Cardinals are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs a team with a winning record, 5-2 in their last 7 overall, 6-2 in Lynn's last 8 home starts, and 4-1 in Lynn's last 5 home starts vs a team with a winning record. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Philadelphia starter, Burnett got a no-decision in his one start against the Braves this season despite throwing seven shutout innings but is only 5-12 with a 3.90 ERA in 22 career games (21 starts) against Atlanta. Braves starter, Santana lost three consecutive starts in mid-June, but is 2-1 in his past three outings with a 3.43 ERA and eight runs allowed in 21 innings. The 31-year-old is 1-1 in three starts against Philadelphia this season with a 2.89 ERA, beating the Phillies in the first game of a June 28 doubleheader by allowing two runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. Santana has allowed only nine homers in 17 starts this season, after giving up 26 last year and 39 in 2012.</p>

<p>Rating; 2 Units</p>

<p>De La Rosa has been one of the few bright spots for the Rockies and carries a four-start winning streak into Friday's matchup. Pitching away from hitter-happy Coors Field has not provided a respite for De La Rosa, who is 4-4 with a 5.87 ERA in nine road starts. De La Rosa, who reportedly is being scouted by the New York Yankees and Baltimore, has never won at PNC Park (0-2, 5.13 ERA) in seven appearances (five starts). While the Pirates have managed to stay relevant in the playoff chase despite being eight games under .500 on May 20, the Rockies have unraveled over the past two months and dropped 20 of 26. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Ross was selected to the All-Star team for the first time in his five seasons, but he won’t pitch since he’s starting Sunday's contest. The 27-year-old, who has not issued a walk in 18 straight innings, has been the Padres’ top starter while recording 117 strikeouts in 122 2/3 innings. Ross is 0-3 with a 3.33 ERA in six career games (four starts) against the Dodgers, including 0-2 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Oakland starter Gray allowed one run in seven innings for the second straight outing to improve to 3-0 in his last four starts. The 24-year-old improved to 3-0 versus Seattle after posting back-to-back strong efforts in early April. Gray followed a quality start in a 6-3 win over the Mariners on April 6 by registering nine strikeouts in seven innings en route to a 3-1 triumph six days later. Seattle starter Young followed a pair of scoreless appearances versus Oakland and improved to 3-1 in his career against the club after allowing two runs on three hits in six innings in a 4-2 win May 5.</p>

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

<p>Texas has dropped the first three games of the series, seven in a row and 21 of 24 overall, an incredible downturn for a team that has finished either first or second in the American League West for six straight years. Opponents have scored an average of 8.4 runs during the slide. The Angels have won six straight between the rivals after going 5-18 against the once-mighty Rangers from late 2012 through the early portion of 2014. With a victory Sunday, Los Angeles would tie the franchise record for wins prior to the All-Star break (57) first accomplished in 2008. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Milwaukee starter Peralta tasted defeat for the first time since May 31 after getting blitzed for nine runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings in a 9-7 setback to Philadelphia on Tuesday. The 25-year-old has traditionally struggled versus St. Louis, but allowed just one run in 6 1/3 strong innings en route to a 5-1 victory on April 16. Despite the strong performance, Peralta still holds a 6.26 ERA against the Cardinals while allowing the team to bat .302 against him</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The OVER is 8-1-1 in Weaver's last 10 road starts, 4-1 in the Angels last 5 vs a right handed starter, and 7-3 in their last 10 road games with totals between 9 and 10.5. The OVER is 7-1 in the Rangers last 8 overall, 4-1 in their last 5 home games, and 9-4-2 in their last 15 Saturday games. The OVER is 32-15-5 in these two teams last 52 meetings and 19-6-1 in their last 26 meetings in Texas. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Nationals are also 58-27 in their last 85 games against teams with losing records. The Phillies are 2-7 in Hamels last nine starts against the National League East and 0-4 in their last four home games vs. right-handed starters.</p>

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

<p>The Rangers managed only six hits Friday, with Alex Rios registering two. The loss was Texas' sixth in a row and 20th in 23 games as the club fell to 9-25 in its last 34 contests at home. The Rangers are 0-5 on their seven-game homestand and have dropped six straight at Globe Life Park, last winning there on June 28 against Minnesota.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p> Wainwright has allowed only 2 runs in his last five starts. In the last two starts he didn't give up any runs and just 11 hits. The last time Wainwright has given up a home run was back on May 30th, seven starts ago. His past three outings yielded an ERA of just 0.40 with a 0.97 WHIP and .267 OBP. It has been even better on the road for Wainwright posting a 1.32 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>San Francisco is still fighting for the top of the NL West despite the poor month, while Arizona owns the worst record in the NL and is the only team left in the senior circuit without at least 40 wins. The Diamondbacks have some players that will be intriguing to other teams at the trade deadline, but they are not looking to gut the roster and will continue to battle to remain a factor in the division.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Lincecum is riding a three-start winning streak that began with his no-hitter against San Diego on June 25. The 30-year-old has allowed a total of one run and seven hits in those three outings while notching 18 strikeouts. Arizona starter Bolsinger has not earned a major-league win since April 24 and is coming off a terrible start at Atlanta after being knocked around for seven runs - five earned - and 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Padres have lost five of their last six, but third baseman Chase Headley appears to be on the verge of breaking out of a season-long slump. After batting .205 with two homers and five RBIs last month, Headley has 14 hits in his first 39 at-bats in July, including two four-hit games. San Diego, which has scored a total of five runs during its three-game losing streak, features the worst offense in the majors with a .216 team batting average and a major league-low 272 runs scored.</p>

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

<p>Two teams going in opposite directions meet today when the reeling Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels in the second of four games. The Angels' 15-6 rout in the series opener was more of the same for both teams as Los Angeles won for the seventh time in eight games while sending the Rangers to their 19th loss in 22 contests. The teams were separated by 2 1/2 games as late as June 16, but second-place Los Angeles is up 16 1/2 games on Texas, which is alone in last. In addition, LAA hurler Richards won his fourth consecutive start with an overpowering performance last time out, striking out a career-high 11 and giving up one run over 7 1/3 innings against Houston. The 26-year-old is 6-0 in his last seven outings, a stirring stretch in which he has yielded a total of eight runs. Richards won both his starts against Texas this season, giving up four runs and striking out 16 over 12 innings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Zimmermann was forced to settle for a no-decision against Chicago on Sunday despite scattering seven hits over six scoreless innings. The 28-year-old All-Star has lowered his ERA from 4.07 over his last seven starts, allowing fewer than three runs in each outing.Pittsburgh Burnett surrendered a season high-tying eight runs and 10 hits over six innings at Washington on June 4 in his worst start of the campaign.</p>

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

<p>The Rangers are in a complete freefall, losing four straight and 10 of 11 games to give them the worst record in baseball by a percentage point. The Rangers are coming off a three-game home sweep at the hands of Houston, which had owned the league's worst record prior to outscoring Texas 28-14. The Rangers were at the .500 mark on June 16 but have stumbled to a 3-18 record since - a dismal stretch that includes getting swept by the Angels in a three-game set in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Total of the Week</b></p>

<p> The OVER is 13-6 in the Angels last 19 road games, and 7-2 in their last 9 games with a total set at 9-10.5. The OVER is also 6-0 in the Rangers last 6 games overall, 20-7-3 in their last 30 vs left handed starter, 9-3-1 in Lewis' last 13 home starts, and 8-2-1 in his last 11 home starts with a high total between 9 and 10.5. The OVER is 31-15-5 in these two teams last 51 meetings, 18-7-1 in their last 26 meetings in Texas, and 4-0-1 in Lewis' last 5 home starts vs the Angels</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Kazmir appears to have recovered from his worst outing of the season June 24 versus the New York Mets, when he was tagged for seven runs in three innings, as he has allowed a total of two runs and seven hits with 15 strikeouts in 12 1/3 frames over his last two starts. The 30-year-old All-Star has held the opposition to fewer than three runs in 12 of his 18 starts and seven of his last eight. Kazmir, who is 4-2 in 10 road outings, never has faced San Francisco.</p>

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

<p>Oakland improved to 11-1 in its last 12 home games and 9-1 against National League opponents this season with Tuesday's 6-1 triumph. San Francisco has dropped five straight visits to the O.co Coliseum and is 2-13 in its last 15 interleague contests. The Giants have lost 11 of their last 15 overall, scoring a total of 11 runs in the setbacks and three in their last six defeats.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Seattle Mariners have found a rhythm at home and have won eight of their past 10 games at Safeco Park entering today’s contest against the visiting Minnesota Twins. Seattle blanked the Twins 2-0 in Monday’s opener of a four-game set and has won 13 of its last 19 home games against Minnesota. The Twins have collapsed of late with 11 losses in 14 games, dropping to a season-worst 10 games below .500. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Oakland Athletics have rolled to the best record in baseball thanks largely to their offense, although their recent success can be attributed mostly to their pitching staff. The Athletics look to match their longest winning streak of the season Tuesday when they complete their half of a home-and-home series with the San Francisco Giants. Oakland (56-33) has scored a league-high 444 runs, but has won five straight in large part because it has allowed a total of four runs in that span. The Athletics, who are 8-1 in interleague play, have also been taking advantage of their home field lately, winning for the 10th time in 11 tries at O.co Coliseum with Monday’s 5-0 victory over the Giants. Conversely, San Francisco has lost four in a row in Oakland and 12 of its last 14 on the road against American League opponents.</p>

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

<p>Thje Blue Jays are just 1-10 in their last 11 road games, 0-7 in their last 7 games as a road underdog, 1-8 in Dickey's last 9 road starts and 0-4 in his last 4 starts overall. The Angels are 21-8 in their last 29 games overall, 10-1 in their last 11 vs a right handed starter, and 5-1 in Skaggs' last 6 home starts. Los Angeles is also 7-1 in their last 8 meetings with Toronto.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Julio Teheran has pitched like an All-Star most of the season and the Atlanta Braves right-hander will find himself in Minneapolis for baseball’s Midsummer Classic next week. Teheran takes the mound today as the Braves play the second of four games at the New York Mets looking to defeat New York for the second consecutive start. Teheran held the Mets to one run on four hits in seven innings Wednesday as Atlanta won 3-1. Since allowing seven runs at Colorado on June 11, Teheran has surrendered six earned runs with five walks and 30 strikeouts in 29 innings across his past four starts.</p>