<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Oakland looks to continue its dominant pitching after allowing a total of four runs in four games against the Blue Jays, including a 1-0 win in 12 innings on Friday. San Francisco hopes its recent slide - the Giants lost 18 of 23 to slip out of first place in the National League West - has subsided after winning its final two games in San Diego over the weekend. </p>

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

<p>The Blue Jays are 0-7 in their last 7 as an underdog and 0-6 in their last 6 road games. The Angels are 20-8 in their last 28 games overall, 13-3 in their last 16 home games vs a left handed starter, 59-29 in Weaver's last 88 starts overall and 39-13 in his last 52 home starts. Also the Angels are 6-1 in their last 7 vs Toronto and 7-1 in Weaver's last 8 starts vs the Jays.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p> The Pirates are coming off a long home stand after ten straight at home in Pittsburgh. The Pirates are 18-21 on the road versus the Cardinals being 24-19 at home. Pittsburgh is only 2-8 in their last ten trips to St. Louis. Add the fact that Morton is 0-9 pitching in St. Louis and he's be going against Wainwright whose ERA in his past three starts is 0.74. combined with a 0.76 WHIP and .218 OBP .</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Offense was not an issue for the Brewers in Philadelphia from April 8-10 as they belted five homers – including three by Ryan Braun – and outscored the Phillies 25-10 during their three-game sweep. Milwaukee has won six in a row and seven of its last eight meetings with Philadelphia (37-51), which fell a season-low 14 games under .500 on Sunday after it was swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies have dropped 13 of their last 16 contests since a season-high five-game winning streak to sink into last place in the NL East.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The league-leading Oakland Athletics turn to their new ace as they attempt to complete a sweep when they host the Toronto Blue Jays in the finale of their four-game series today. Jeff Samardzija makes his debut for Oakland after being acquired along with Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The Athletics outscored Toronto 10-2 in winning the first three games of the series as the Blue Jays fell to 2-6 in their last eight contests.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>After tossing four no-hit innings, Noesi fell apart in the fifth during an 8-4 setback against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. The 27-year-old, who began the season with Seattle before he was dealt to the Texas Rangers on April 12, surrendered three hits and a career-high seven walks over five frames. Seattle has won seven of its last eight on the road entering the series finale against the White Sox.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Locke settled for his third no-decision in four contests despite allowing two runs on eight hits - all singles - in as many innings versus Arizona on Tuesday. The 26-year-old has lowered his ERA with each start and has only permitted two homers in six outings (41 2/3 innings). Locke won both of his career meetings with Philadelphia, posting a 1.54 ERA while limiting the opposition to a .214 batting average.</p>

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

<p>The Atlanta Braves’ offense for most of the first half of the season relied heavily on hitting home runs, but the major league’s hottest team has found other ways to score during a nine-game winning streak. The Braves vie for 10 in a row today when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game series, and Atlanta enters the contest having hit just three homers during their winning streak. The reeling Diamondbacks have dropped five of six and saw a 3-0 first-inning lead evaporate in Saturday’s 10-4 defeat.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Oakland Athletics created fireworks with a blockbuster trade Friday, but their closest rivals in the American League West race aren't likely to be intimidated. The Los Angeles Angels have won 19 of their last 22 to move a season-high 13 games over .500 heading into Saturday’s contest against the visiting Houston Astros, who have lost five in a row. Angels center fielder Mike Trout belted a walk-off homer Friday to lead the Angels to their eighth straight home victory.</p>

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

<p>Kazmir was bothered by a leg cramp in his last outing at Detroit and exited after permitting one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings. It was a nice bounce-back effort from his previous turn, when he was hammered for seven runs on eight hits - including three homers - in three frames against the New York Mets. Kazmir is 5-1 with a superb 1.61 ERA in seven home starts this season and has won four straight at O.co Coliseum while allowing a total of three earned runs.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Sanchez rebounded from his worst outing of the season by giving up three runs (two earned) over seven innings in a no-decision versus Oakland last time out. He permitted a season-high four runs in 5 1/3 frames at Texas in his previous turn but still managed to win his third straight start. Sanchez has surrendered more than three runs only once this season and has recorded seven quality starts in his last eight outings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Hernandez went 3-1 with a 1.22 ERA and 54 strikeouts in his six June starts and 6-1, 1.30 in his last nine turns, and yielded only Lonnie Chisenhall's bouncer up the middle in the fifth that barely eluded second baseman Robinson Cano. The 28-year-old Venezuelan has reeled off nine straight quality starts and positioned himself as the likely starter for the AL in the All-Star Game.</p>

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

<p>B.J. Upton is riding a nine-game hitting streak since assuming the leadoff position in the Atlanta Braves' lineup. Upton and the Braves look to continue their good fortune when they open a three-game series versus the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on today. Atlanta has won seven in a row and eight of nine thanks in large part to Upton, who is 10-for-37 with seven runs scored during that stretch to improve his paltry batting average to .210. Atlanta hurler Santana has kept the Diamondbacks at bay in three career starts, registering a 0.82 ERA while limiting the club to a .184 batting average.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Seattle Mariners invade Chicago for a three-game series with the White Sox beginning Friday with four consecutive victories in tow and a far different outlook from a season ago. Seattle (47-38), which capped a three-game game sweep in Houston with a 5-2 victory Wednesday, was 37-47 at this point in 2013 and its 9 1/2-game improvement has it squarely in American League West Division - and wild card - contention to reach the postseason for the first time since 2001. The Mariners have won six straight on the road and are 26-16 away from home, providing an excellent chance to finish above .500 on the road for the first time since 2003. Seattle pitcher Elias is 5-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.19 WHIP against in eight road outings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Detroit Tigers, combining a mix of superb pitching and lethal hitting, seek their fifth consecutive victory when they host the Tampa Bay Rays on today in the second contest of a four-game series. Max Scherzer's dominant performance in Thursday's 8-1 rout was the 13th quality start in 15 games for Detroit, which is 12-2 in its last 14 contests. The Tigers have put up 17 runs over the last two games and have scored at least five in nine of their last 13 contests.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Oakland hurler Milone is 6-3 with a 3.79 ERA, .249 OBA and 1.24 WHIP. At home he is 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA. While the Blue Jays are just 1-6 in their last 7 road games, and 0-5 in their last 5 games vs a left handed starter. The As are 19-7 in their last 26 home games, and 7-1 in Milone's last 8 starts overall. </p>

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

<p>The Astros limp into the series after being outscored by the Seattle Mariners 28-8 in a three-game home sweep and are losers of 12 of their last 16 overall. Houston managed three hits – all from the bottom two spots in the order – in a 5-2 loss Wednesday. The Angels pounded out 15 runs in a doubleheader sweep Tuesday</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Oakland Athletics look to bounce back from a three-game sweep in Detroit when they open a four-game set against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday in their second consecutive series against an American League division leader. The Athletics still own the best record in the majors and will be out to avenge a three-game sweep in Toronto in late May. Getting off the road should provide a lift for Oakland, which has won 10 of its last 13 at home.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>With five starters on the disabled list, Colorado once again pulls Morales out of the bullpen to fill the void left by Jhoulys Chacin, who is facing considerable time on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. The 28-year-old Venezuelan made his last start on May 31 in Cleveland and received a no-decision after getting roughed up for six runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings of the Rockies' 7-6 loss. Morales, who is 3-4 with a 6.13 ERA in 11 starts this season, is 12-11, 4.91 in 36 career starts.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Pittsburgh hurler Worley recorded his third straight quality start by yielding one run on seven hits in as many innings of a 5-2 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday. The 26-year-old continues to have impressive control, issuing just three walks in 20 2/3 frames this season. Worley has fared well in two career meetings with the Diamondbacks, going 1-0 with a slim 1.00 ERA and 0.78 WHIP.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Washington is one-half game behind Atlanta in the National League East, and with Miami, Philadelphia and the New York Mets beginning to fade, it appears the Nationals and Braves will stage their own race down the stretch. Colorado has lost 12 of its last 14 games - including seven of eight on the road - and dropped completely out of contention in the NL West by going 8-20 in June. Washington's Stephen Strasburg is coming off his worst start of the season but hasn't lost in his last eight home turns (5-0) as he opposes Christian Friedrich, who has struggled since returning to the majors</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Oakland Athletics attempt to bounce back from a deflating loss as they continue their three-game series against the host Detroit Tigers today. Oakland appeared to be on its way to a fifth consecutive victory before former Athletic Rajai Davis belted his third career grand slam with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving Detroit a 5-4 triumph. The Athletics fell to 4-2 on their eight-game road trip as they lost for just the fourth time in 15 overall contests.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Arizona's Miley's winless streak reached eight starts last Tuesday, when he escaped with his fourth straight no-decision after allowing five runs - four earned - and eight hits in four innings against Cleveland. The 27-year-old has not won since defeating the White Sox in Chicago on May 10, his only victory in his last 14 outings.</p>

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

<p>Heavy rain prevented Los Angeles from continuing its recent hot stretch on Monday so now the Angels attempt to keep it going when they play a doubleheader against the host Chicago White Sox on Today. Los Angeles has won seven of its last nine games as it attempts to narrow the gap on the American League West-leading Oakland Athletics. The White Sox have won three straight games as they begin a six-game homestand but are just 3-9 against AL West squads this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Cincinnati Reds attempt to extend their winning streak to six games when they visit the San Diego Padres for the opener of a three-game series today. Cincinnati has lost only three times in its last 14 contests and improved to 6-1 on its 10-game road trip with a 4-0 triumph at San Francisco on Sunday. Homer Bailey tossed a three-hit shutout while Brayan Pena and Skip Schumaker each recorded two hits and an RBI as the Reds completed a four-game sweep of the Giants.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Duffy is 0-2 over his last two turns despite allowing a total of three runs in 13 innings in that span. The 25-year-old received a total of one run of support in those two outings after getting at least six runs in each of his previous three starts. Duffy made two appearances out of the bullpen against Minnesota in April, striking out five over 4 1/3 hitless frames.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Milwaukee (51-35) opened up a 6 1/2-game lead on St. Louis - the largest advantage in any division - with its 10th victory in 13 contests while bringing its total to 45 runs in six victories over Colorado in 2014. The Rockies have lost 11 of their last 12 contests - including six straight on the road - as their major league-worst ERA rose to 4.94 with their starters posting an even higher number at 5.21. Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo is 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his last four turns</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Feldman has won only once in nine starts since returning from a three-week stint on the disabled list and has not gone beyond 6 1/3 innings in that stretch. He gave up three runs and a pair of homers in six innings to take the loss against Atlanta last time out and extend his winless drought to five starts. The Tigers have been a nemesis for Feldman, who is 0-3 with a bloated 8.13 ERA in 11 appearances (five starts) against them.</p>

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

<p>The Athletics, who have won a major league-high 11 times when tied or trailing after eight innings, managed to overcome a poor start from Sonny Gray and rare blown save by Sean Doolittle in Saturday’s 14-inning victory to improve to 9-5 in extra frames. The Marlins have struggled mightily in similar situations, becoming the first team in major-league history to lose at least five games in a calendar month that lasted at least 13 innings. Making matters worse, Miami is 4-8 in extra-inning affairs and has lost 14 of its last 20 at home since starting 19-6 at Marlins Park.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>After becoming the first team in the majors to record 50 victories, the Milwaukee Brewers look to continue their dominance against the Colorado Rockies when the teams reconvene at Miller Park today. Milwaukee has won all five meetings with Colorado this season while emerging victorious in nine of its last 12 overall. Ryan Braun provided the honors after getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the seventh before his walk-off RBI single gave the Brewers a 3-2 triumph on Friday.</p>

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

<p>Oakland hurler Gray will receive the start on 10 days' rest after he allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings in a 4-2 win over Texas. The 24-year-old has struck out seven in each of his last three outings, but the Athletics are pacing their second-year hurler as the season goes on. Gray, who has yet to face Miami in his young career, has permitted just six homers in 99 innings in 2014.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Chen is 4-0 in his previous nine starts and allowed nine total runs over his last five outings, including three in 6 2/3 innings of a no-decision against Tampa Bay on June 16. The Taiwan native gave up four runs in 13 innings in two starts (1-0) against the Rays this year and 1-0 in three outings in 2013 with a 3.18 ERA. </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Verlander amped up his velocity and matched his season high with eight strikeouts - a total he last reached on April 12 - against Cleveland on Saturday, offering hope that he has indeed turned the corner. Verlander is 2-0 in three career starts against the Astros, allowing three runs in 20 1/3 innings.</p>

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

<p>The Oakland Athletics had the luxury of taking it easy on Thursday while the Miami Marlins exhausted their bullpen en route to losing a 14-inning marathon. The Athletics look to take advantage of the situation and post their seventh win in nine outings today when the teams open a three-game interleague series in South Beach. The Marlins are trending in the opposite direction after suffering their 10th defeat in 15 outings with a 5-3 setback to Philadelphia on Thursday.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Blue Jays dropped 11 of 15 before opening their current homestand strong and appear to have solved the offensive woes that plagued the team earlier in the month. Toronto scored at least seven runs in each of the three wins and got four hits from Jose Reyes out of the top spot in the order in Thursday’s triumph. Chicago had been falling just short in close games but managed only four hits on Thursday to fall to 1-7 on its 11-game road trip.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>The Detroit Tigers have bounced back with a vengeance since relinquishing the lead in the American League Central, ripping off six consecutive victories entering today's finale of a three-game series at the Texas Rangers. Detroit has piled up 37 runs in winning the first five games of its road trip to open a four-game lead atop the division. J.D. Martinez is on a white-hot tear with homers in six of his last nine games as well as a 14-game hitting streak.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Fister has allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his nine starts this season and has earned the win in six of his last seven outings. He turned in his best performance of the year last time out, shutting out the Braves for eight innings while allowing only five hits.</p>

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

<p>The Los Angeles Angels look to complete a pair of sweeps as they host the Minnesota Twins for the finale of their three-game series this afternoon. Los Angeles opened the set with an 8-6 triumph before posting a 6-2 victory behind Garrett Richards, who allowed two runs and four hits over 7 1/3 innings. The win was the 11th in 12 home contests for the Angels, who improved to 5-0 on their six-game homestand.

</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Buchholz was experiencing a tough season before hyperextending his left knee May 26. He didn’t make it through five innings in half his 10 starts prior to the injury and he is just 1-2 with a 6.12 ERA in six road starts this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Richards posted his third straight victory Friday, limiting Texas to one run and four hits while striking out seven in six innings. The 26-year-old has been superb over his last four starts as he has allowed a total of two runs in 27 frames. Richards tossed a scoreless inning of relief in his only career appearance against Minnesota.</p>

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

<p>Yoenis Cespedes remained hot for Oakland, extending his hitting streak to nine games by going 2-for-4 with an RBI. The 28-year-old Cuban has recorded four multi-hit performances during the run but has collected only three RBIs over his last seven contests. The Athletics, who have dropped two in a row following a five-game winning streak, welcomed back Josh Reddick from the disabled list, where he had resided since the beginning of the month due to a knee injury.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Hudson had his six-start unbeaten streak snapped Wednesday, when he was pounded by the White Sox for seven runs and 12 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a road loss. The 38-year-old did not allow an earned run in three of his previous four outings. Hudson, who is 5-0 at home this season, owns a 7-2 record and 2.71 ERA in 15 career games (14 starts) against the Padres.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Unite</p>

<p>It's hard to imagine Kershaw can perform any better after striking out a career-high 15 and coming within an error of a perfect game. The 26-year-old has won four consecutive starts, allowing a total of four runs over 29 innings while registering 40 strikeouts and issuing one walk. Kershaw, who never has faced the Royals, is 4-1 with a 3.08 ERA in five road starts.</p>

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

<p>Oakland owns the best record in the major leagues at 47-29 and also is one of the best road teams with a 23-14 record away from home. The Mets are one of the bottom-feeders in the National League at 35-41 but still are within reach of first place in the mediocre East Division. Kazmir limited Boston to two runs and four hits over seven innings on Thursday en route to winning his third straight start and fourth consecutive decision. The 30-year-old has been quite the find for Oakland, allowing more than three runs just once in 15 starts this season and fewer than three in seven of his last eight outings</p>

<p>Rating; 2 Units</p>

<p>Gonzalez has won three of his last four starts to even his record. He gave up just two runs in each of the first three outings before giving up four runs and eight hits in five innings while beating Tampa Bay in his last turn. Gonzalez allowed one run and four hits in seven frames while beating Chicago last September. Chicago’s losing streak reached five games yesterday when Ronald Belisario blew the save.</p>

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

<p>Two of the Giants wins during their losing streak came over the weekend against the last-place Arizona Diamondbacks, but the Giants’ recent struggles pale in comparison to those of the Padres, who fired Byrnes prior to Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Dodgers. San Diego has scored fewer than two runs nine times in 20 June games and ranks last in the majors by a wide margin in several offensive categories, including runs (225) and batting average (.214). The Padres, who are 3-3 against the Giants this season, scratched scheduled starter Andrew Cashner and Odrisamer Despaigne will make his major-league debut.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Seattle starter Hernandez is working on a string of seven straight quality starts and has not allowed more than two runs in any of those outings. The former American League Cy Young Award recipient is winless in his last three starts despite yielding a total of two runs over 22 1/3 innings in that span. Hernandez always has pitched well against the Red Sox, building a 7-2 record with a 3.00 ERA in 14 career starts</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>St. Louis is trying to catch NL Central-leading Milwaukee, which spent the weekend beating up on Colorado and running the Rockies' losing streak to a season-worst six games. Colorado has dropped 27 of its last 39 overall, and the sweep by the Brewers gave the Rockies 10 losses in their last 13 games at Coors Field. Wilin Rosario was one of the few bright spots over the weekend, going 7-for-10 with a home run, two doubles and three RBIs in the last two games.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Bolsinger was promoted from Triple-A Reno for the second time this season and allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings in last Tuesday’s 7-5 loss to Milwaukee. The 26-year-old has posted a 30-19 record with a 3.30 ERA over five seasons in the Arizona minor-league system. He made his major-league debut April 14 and went 1-2 with a 6.08 ERA in five games (four starts) before being sent down after allowing four runs in five frames against the Brewers on May 5.</p>

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

<p>Dodgers are 5-1 in Ryu's last 6 starts, 4-1 in his last 5 road starts, and 18-4 in his last 22 starts vs a team with a losing record. The Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs a lefty starter and 7-1 in their last 8 road games vs a lefty starter. The Padres are just 4-9 in their last 13 games overall, 3-7 in their last 10 as an underdog, and 1-4 in Stult's last 5 starts as an underdog. Los Angeles is 10-3 in their last 13 head to head meetings with San Diego.<.p>

<p>Rating: 3 Units</p>

<p>The Blue Jays are having a little trouble in the starting pitching department of late and are losers of 10 of their last 14 games. Cincinnati was not exactly lighting up the scoreboard prior to the series but is having no trouble against the Toronto staff and has gotten home runs from Jay Bruce and Devin Mesoraco in each of the first two games. The Blue Jays are 3-6 on their 10-game road trip </p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Arizona pitcher McCarthy is coming off a strong effort against Milwaukee last time out, giving up three runs on seven hits in seven innings, but could not halt a winless drought that now spans eight starts. McCarthy, whose only win came against San Diego on May 3, has struggled at home with an 0-5 record and 5.18 ERA in nine starts. He has had trouble solving San Francisco's Hunter Pence (7-for-16) and Brandon Crawford (4-for-9).</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Ross saw his winless stretch span to three starts as he yielded five runs on seven hits and walked an astounding seven in a 5-1 setback to Seattle on Monday. The 27-year-old has permitted three homers over his last three outings after keeping the ball in the yard in his previous four. Ross hasn't fared well against Los Angeles, brandishing an 0-2 career mark while walking 11 in 20 innings.</p>

<p>Rating: 2 Units</p>

<p>Wainwright was dominant in his last outing, scattering seven hits in as many innings en route to a 1-0 victory over Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old was then scratched from Monday's start and admitted no issue after a successful bullpen session two days later. Wainwright has enjoyed his results against Philadelphia, posting a 4-1 mark while striking out 39 in 56 innings.</p>

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

<p>Oakland has won four straight games and is getting the kind of clutch performances that marked the Red Sox’s run to the World Series last season. Coco Crisp delivered the big hit with an RBI single in the eighth Friday while Josh Donaldson continued to break out of his recent slump with a three-run homer. Six of Boston’s last seven games have been decided by one run and the Red Sox are trying to avoid a fourth straight road series loss</p>