Philadelphia at San Diego 8:40 ET

Padres over Phillies- This off-season San Diego landed Dylan Cease (3-1, 1.82 ERA) and to this point he has been the most impressive of all transplants. He has surrendered just 11 hits in 30 innings with 35 strikeouts. Philadelphia will counter with Rangers Suarez (4-0, 1.36) who has giving up just 18 hits in 33 innings with 32 K’s and just eight walks. Still, the edge goes to the home team. Take SAN DIEGO!

Kansas City at Detroit 6:10 ET

Tigers over Royals- Detroit’s Casey Mize (1-0, 2.95 ERA) broke into the win column last time out winning at Minnesota with his third straight quality start. The Number One overall pick in 2018 the Tigers feel it is time for Mize to come into his own. Kansas City who is off to a great start at 17-10 will send Brady Singer (2-1, 2.76)  to he bump and the 28-year old has dominated his opponents allowing just 18 hits with 28 strike outs in 28 innings. But, the Tigers are looking to bounce back from a subpar display Friday. Take DETROIT!

Washington at Miami 4:10 ET

Marlins over Nationals- Neither of these teams expect to be around in October and have had little to cheer about this season although Washington has had a bit of glitter that has shone through the darkness. The Nationals Mitchell Parker (2-0, 1.50 ERA) has a small sample but has given up just seven hits in 12 innings with 12 strikeouts and zero walks. The 24-year old is making just his third career start and the Marlins on a four game skid last won when Cabrera (1-0,3.27) started against the Cubs has 17 K’s in just 11 innings. Take MIAMI!

New York Yankees at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Yankees over Brewers- Having won five of seven games on the road, the Milwaukee Brewers will turn to right-hander Colin Rea in an effort to keep their surge going when they return home to open a three-game series Friday night against the New York Yankees. Rea (2-0, 2.08 ERA) will be opposed by Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (1-1, 2.75). The Brewers are 12-4 on the road this season, tying the best road start in franchise history (2014). He is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in two career starts against New York. Opponents are batting just .125 this season against Gil, who spent all of 2023 on the injured list after elbow surgery. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Chicago Cubs at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Cubs- Boston's Kutter Crawford (1-0, 0.66 ERA) carries the top qualifying ERA in all of baseball into the weekend-opening start against Chicago rookie left-hander Shota Imanaga (3-0, 0.84). Crawford is coming off his first win and second quality start of the season on Saturday at Pittsburgh, where he worked around seven hits and three walks to allow just one run over six innings. As a result, Crawford's ERA is also now the best by a Red Sox starter since Roger Clemens had a 0.66 mark through his first five starts in 1991. He has not allowed a home run across his last 43 2/3 innings. After sweeping three games at Pittsburgh last weekend, the Red Sox dropped two of three in Cleveland and now return home where they are just 3-7 this season. The Cubs completed their second sweep of 2024 with a 3-1 win over Houston on Thursday to cap a three-game set. Chicago has won nine of its past 12 games. Imanaga is set to face the Red Sox for the first time. He produced his second quality start in four outings in the finale of a doubleheader against the Miami Marlins on Saturday, when he gave up three runs (two earned) in six innings. He struck out five and without issuing a walk. A two-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star in his native Japan, Imanaga pitched the first 18 1/3 innings of his U.S. career without allowing an earned run until the fourth inning of his Saturday start. TAKE BOSTON!

L.A. Dodgers at Toronto 8:10 ET

Blue Jays over Dodgers-The Dodgers defeated the Washington Nationals 2-1 Thursday afternoon to complete a three-game series sweep that opened a nine-game road trip. The Blue Jays are returning from a 3-4 road trip after losing 2-1 to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday afternoon in a rain-shortened game. Toronto won the opener of the four-game series before dropping the next three. The Dodgers are scheduled to start right-hander Gavin Stone (1-1, 6.00 ERA) on Friday. He has never faced Toronto. The Blue Jays are scheduled to go with right-hander Chris Bassitt (2-3, 3.90). Bassitt is 1-2 with a 4.30 ERA in four career starts against Los Angeles. The Dodgers, in their Thursday win, got six scoreless innings from right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another big offseason signing. The key to his best start with his new team was fastball command, which had been a problem. Blue Jays take advantage. Take TORONTO!

Seattle at Texas 8:00 ET

Rangers over Mariners- On Thursday, Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo (1-4, 4.40 ERA), coming off his first victory on Saturday vs. Colorado is set to take the mound against Rangers lefty Andrew Heaney (0-2, 6.35). Castillo is 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA in three previous starts against Texas. Heaney is 4-7 with a 4.18 ERA in 20 appearances (18 starts) vs. Seattle. With the Mariners favored here the bent-nose guys like the visitor...take SEATTLE!

Philadelphia at Cincinnati 1:10 ET

Reds over Phillies- Cincinnati has claimed four wins in six games against the Phillies heading into the clubs' last matchup of the regular season. Nick Martinez (0-0, 4.76 ERA) is leaving the bullpen and returning to the Cincinnati rotation. He will make his third start of the season on Thursday. Martinez takes the place of right-hander Frankie Montas, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a bruised right forearm after being struck with a line drive 16 pitches into his Sunday start against the Los Angeles Angels. Martinez will be making his first career start against Philadelphia. The right-hander has been dominant in five career relief appearances vs. the Phillies, allowing just one run and four hits over 10 1/3 innings with no decisions. The Phillies will counter with right-hander Zack Wheeler (1-3, 2.30 ERA). Wheeler has 38 strikeouts and just seven walks over 31 1/3 innings this season. Wheeler is 1-2 with a 2.98 ERA in his seven career starts vs. the Reds. Take CINCINNATI!

Seattle at Texas 8:00 ET

Rangers over Mariners- Jon Gray (0-1, 3.15 ERA) is among the strike out leaders with 25 K’s in just 20 innings but has surrendered buy seven earned runs with shoddy field allowing three others. Bryce Miller (3-1, 1.85) is off a one-hit performance against the Reds allowing one walk and seven strikeouts in six innings throwing 91 pitchers.  Get this he is 0-2 with and ERA of 17.55 against the Rangers giving up 13 earned runs in 6.1 innings. Choose your poison. Take SEATTLE!

Philadelphia at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Reds over Phillies- I have to admit I think that I am looking to play on the Reds as they seem to have come up on my board numerous time already. And I know the reason! It is Elly De La Cruz who to me is the most exciting position player in baseball. Every night I check to box scores and I see last night he hit his seventh dinger of the year and I still can figure why he is batting in the six hole. What that says to me is that Cincinnati must have a deep hitting team and yet they are hitting .221 ranking 17th but they rae 7th in runs score. I’d still like Elly hitting higher in the lineup because his a blur on the bases.  Lefty Nick Lodolo (2-0, 0.75 ERA) has 16 K’s, 1 BB, 1 ER in 12 innings will love the support against Phillies Spencer Turnbull who has turn things around after five years in Detroit where he never won more than four games once lost 17 and totaled just 12 wins and had an ERA of 7.26 last season. Take CINCINNATI!

Baltimore at Los Angeles Angels 4:05 ET

Angels over Orioles- I’m just going through the motions ‘Mickey’ Trout is a long from being the super-star he once was although the rap on him back east after he spurred the Yankees to remain in LaLa-land with no pressure. So, the Angels are the same even without Ohtani as the once haled as the next Mickey Mantle commences with his retirement. But, to say he can’t rise up like he will this afternoon isn’t far fetched. With Tyler Anderson (2-2, 1.42 ERA)  off a masterful three hit, one run 7 inning gem against Cincinnati the Angels are flying high. The Orioles Dean Kremer has (0-2. 4.91) not been impressive. Take LA ANGELS!

Seattle at Texas 8:00 ET

Mariners over Rangers-The Mariners had a streak of eight consecutive quality starts, six or more innings pitched with three or fewer earned runs allowed snapped in the opening game of a doubleheader Sunday in Colorado. George Kirby pitched five scoreless innings before leaving with mild arm soreness. In the past 10 games, Seattle starters have a 1.44 ERA with nine walks and 64 strikeouts and have limited opponents to a .175 batting average. Logan Gilbert (1-0, 2.33 ERA) are scheduled to start tonight and he is 2-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 10 career starts against the Rangers. Take SEATTLE!

Houston at Chicago Cubs 7:40 ET

Astros over Cubs- After losing nine of their past 12 games Houston is off to their worst 23-game start since 2016. Houston fell to 7-16 after dropping two of three games to the Washington Nationals over the weekend. Chicago split a four-game series against the Miami Marlins over the weekend. Chicago will send left-hander Jordan Wicks (0-2, 5.29 ERA) to the mound in the series opener and he has yet to complete five innings in four starts this season. The Astros will counter with right-hander J.P. France (0-2, 7.08), who yielded just two runs on four hits over five innings in his last start against Atlanta. Take HOUSTON!

Philadelphia at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Reds over Phillies- The Philadelphia Phillies have won 15 of their first 23 games of the season and their starting pitching deserves much of the credit. The Phillies' starting pitchers have allowed a total of four earned runs in 51 2/3 innings over the past seven games, with 53 strikeouts against nine walks. Ranger Sanchez (1-2, 2.95 ERA) is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against Cincinnati. He gave up two runs over five-plus innings in a no-decision vs. the Reds on April 1. Cincinnati will turn to left-hander Andrew Abbott (1-2, 2.70 ERA), who is making his fifth start of the season and his second of the month against the Phillies. Abbott received a no-decision against the Sanchez and the Phillies on April 1, when he allowed two runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings. Take CINCINNATI!

Baltimore at L.A. Angels 9:40 ET

Angels over Orioles- Right-hander Albert Suarez will make his second start of the season for the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. Suarez's first major league appearance in nearly seven years went well. Suarez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) scattered three hits and struck out four batters over 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. He will be matched up against the Angels' best starter, Reid Detmers (3-0, 1.19), who already has a victory over the Orioles this season. Detmers gave up one run and two hits in five innings of a 4-1 win on March 31. Detmers is 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA in four career starts against the Orioles. This time take ANGELS!

Detroit at Tampa Bay 6:50 ET

Tigers over Rays- Tigers manager A.J. Hinch watched his team limp to a 2-9 start in 2023, but Detroit re-gathered itself to finish second in the division to the Minnesota Twins. Now through 22 games, the Tigers are playing winning baseball by sitting two games above .500.On Monday, Hinch will look to left-hander Tarik Skubal (2-0, 2.28 ERA) to continue his stellar work on the mound in his fifth start. In a small sample of three career starts vs. the Rays, Skubal has a 1-0 record and a 1.59 ERA. Cash will turn over Monday's mound duties to right-hander Zack Littell (1-0, 2.14 ERA), who also will be in his fifth outing. Littell has made five appearances against Detroit but just one start. Overall, he is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 10 innings, allowing just six hits and two walks to go with three strikeouts. But, with the Tigers favored on the road...take DETROIT!

Philadelphia at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Reds over Phillies- Winners of 14 of their first 22 games and six in a row, the Phillies are off to their best start since 2018. The Phillies will send left-hander Ranger Suarez (3-0, 1.73 ERA) to the mound, making his fifth start of the season. In his most recent start, on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies, Suarez threw his second career shutout and first since 2021. He allowed seven hits, striking out eight and walking one in Philadelphia's 5-0 win. Suarez is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA in seven career appearances (three starts) against Cincinnati. The Reds will counter with Hunter Greene (0-1, 4.35 ERA), making his fifth start of the season and second of his career against the Phillies. In his only other appearance vs. them, Greene allowed two runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss on April 7, 2023. Greene's 346 career strikeouts are the most by a Reds starting pitcher over his first 50 career starts since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893. Like the Phillies, the Reds are off to their best start in years. At 12-9, it marks Cincinnati's best 21-game start since the team also opened 2013 at 12-9. Take CINCINNATI

Miami at Chicago Cubs 2:10 ET

Marlins over Cubs- Kyle Hendericks (0-2, 12.71 ERA) is scheduled to face the visiting Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series. He led MLB with a 2.13 ERA in 2016 and helped the Cubs win the World Series that season, hasn't posted a winning season since going 14-7 in 2021, but even that year he displayed signs of decline as he posted a 4.77 ERA and surrendered an MLB-leading 200 hits. Miami plans to start right-hander Edward Cabrera in the series finale. Cabrera (0-0, 1.50 ERA) made his season debut on Monday after recovering from a right shoulder impingement and allowed one run and five hits in six innings of his team's 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants. He struck out 10 and walked one. Cabrera has made four starts against the Cubs in his career and is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA. Take MIAMI!

Detroit at Minnesota 2:10 ET

Twins over Tigers- After opening the campaign on a five-game winning streak, Detroit has gone 6-10. The Tigers committed two errors, including one miscue by first baseman Spencer Torkelson that allowed a run to score. Right-hander Casey Mize (0-0, 4.11 ERA) will hope for a cleaner defensive effort when he takes the mound for Detroit on Sunday. Mize is 0-3 with a 6.31 ERA in six career starts against Minnesota. The Twins will counter with fellow right-hander Louie Varland (0-3, 8.36), who most recently was tagged for six runs (four earned) and 11 hits in five innings against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. The Twins and Tigers already have met six times in 2024; the season series is tied. Take MINNESOTA!

Miami at Chicago Cubs 2:10 ET

Marlins over Cubs- Chicago has won five of its past six games, while Miami has lost four out of five. Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga a two-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star in Japan is 2-0, 0.00 ERA. Southpaw Jesus Luzardo (0-2, 7.65 ERA) will attempt to keep Chicago at bay in the first game of a double-bill. In four career starts against the Cubs, Luzardo is 2-0 with a 2.88 ERA. Take MIAMI!

Detroit at Minnesota 2:00 ET

Twins over Tigers- Tigers right-hander Reese Olson (0-2, 3.86 ERA) will make his fourth start of the season on Saturday. The 24-year-old went 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) as a rookie for Detroit last season. Olson took a tough-luck loss in his most recent outing. He limited the Texas Rangers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings on Monday, and he walked just one while striking out eight. The Tigers, however, managed just five hits and lost 1-0. Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (0-1, 6.57 ERA) also will look for his first win of the 2024 campaign. The 6-foot-9, 260-pound hurler has struggled after a strong 2023 season in which he went 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 26 starts for Minnesota. The 28-year-old has made eight career starts against Detroit. He is 1-2 with a 4.61 ERA in those games, with nine walks and 42 strikeouts in 41 innings. Take MINNESOTA!

Arizona at San Francisco 10:15 ET

Giants over Diamondbacks- Jordan Montgomery is set to make his Diamondbacks debut when he opposes fellow left-hander Blake Snell. Snell (0-2, 12.86 ERA), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, signed a two-year, $62 million deal with the Giants on March 19, nine days before Montgomery joined the Diamondbacks on a one-year, $25 million contract. He is 5-1 with a 1.11 ERA in eight career starts against the Diamondbacks. Montgomery split time between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers last season, going 10-11 with a 3.20 ERA in 32 starts. He went 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA in six postseason games (five starts) while helping lead Texas to the World Series championship. He has faced the Giants twice in his career, both times last season and is 0-1 with a 2.19 ERA. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Toronto at San Diego 9:40 ET

Blue Jays over Padres- Coming off three straight series wins, San Diego will trot out No. 5 starter Matt Waldron (0-1, 3.14 ERA) to open this series. The knuckleballer is coming off a no-decision Saturday at the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing one run over five innings in the team's 5-2 loss. This will be the right-hander's first career appearance against Toronto. Toronto starts the trip with rookie Yariel Rodriguez (0-0, 2.45) scheduled to start. He made his big league debut Saturday in a 5-3 victory over Colorado, lasting 3 2/3 innings and 68 pitches. The right-hander gave up four hits and a run with two walks and six strikeouts. The Cuban-born Rodriguez's stuff and emotions were both electric and his energy in catching. Take TORONTO!

Milwaukee at St. Louis 8:30 ET

Cardinals over Brewers- The Brewers could really use a quality start from Freddy Peralta to relieve pressure on their bullpen, which has shouldered a heavy workload so far this season. Starters have thrown 80 innings, with the bullpen shouldering 71. Peralta (2-0, 2.55 ERA) has been up to the task while striking out 26 batters and walking two in 17 2/3 innings in three starts. Milwaukee defeated the San Diego Padres 1-0 on Wednesday with a bullpen start, with five relievers combining to blank the Padres. Last season, Peralta was 1-2 with a 4.15 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals. In his career, Peralta is 3-6 with a 5.86 ERA in 15 appearances, including 11 starts. Kyle Gibson (1-2, 6.16 ERA) has struggled for the Cardinals since signing as a free agent. He has allowed five homers in 19 innings over his three starts. Gibson is 1-2 with a 5.44 ERA in eight career starts against the Brewers but gets the win tonight. Tale ST. LOUIS!

New York Yankees at Toronto 3:07 ET

Blue Jays over Yankees- The Blue Jays extended their winning streak to four games Tuesday night when they held on for a 5-4 victory over the Yankees, who have lost three consecutive contests for the first time this season. Toronto is scheduled to start struggling Kevin Gausman (0-2, 11.57 ERA) on Wednesday against fellow right-hander and former Blue Jay Marcus Stroman (1-1, 2.12). Stroman is 0-0 with an 0.82 ERA in two career starts vs. Toronto. Gausman is 10-8 with a 3.27 ERA in 32 career outings (26 starts) against the Yankees. This will be the second time Stroman has pitched in Toronto since he was traded to the New York Mets during the 2019 season. He held the Blue Jays to one run over five innings with the Chicago Cubs. Take TOTONTO!

Chicago Cubs at Arizona 9:40 ET

Cubs over Diamondbacks- The Cubs Kyle Kendericks (0-2, 12.80 ERA) is 5-3 lifetime against the Diamondbacks while surrendering seven runs twice in two losses to them, but that all happened in 2019. He was bombed last time out by San Diego and I expect he will settle down against a team that we should fade a bit this season. Arizona will send out Tommy Henry (0-1, 5.71) to the hill who has surrendered 16 hits and 10 runs in just 14 innings. Take CHICAGO CUBS!

San Diego at Milwaukee 8:00 ET

Padres over Brewers- San Diego’s off season acquisition Dylan Cease (1-1, 2.19 ERA) has had three starts and he has been the most impressive of all Padres pitchers surrendering just eight hits in 17 innings with 20 strikeouts and four earned runs. Milwaukee will start Wade Miley (0-0, 2.25) who is 2-6 lifetime giving 52 runs in 93 innings and ERA of 5.23. Cease is 0-1 with an ERA of 2.56 in his lone start giving up just two runs on five hits striking out seven while walking just one but, received no run support while with the White Sox last season. Take SAN DIEGO!

Pittsburgh at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Pirates- In the past four years New York Mets starter Jose Quintana (1-1, 3.45 ERA) has pitched for six teams and has a grand total of nine wins coming into this season. In the two year prior to the last six he had 26 wins in a pair of season’s 2018-19 with the Chicago Cubs winning 13 in each campaign. He is 5-2 lifetime against Pittsburgh only allowing nine earned runs in 35 innings. Like last year the Buc’s started fast so fast were they that they had their best franchise record for quick start winning their first five and nine of 11. But, they have reverted back to form and have dropped four of six. Take NEW YORK METS!

Atlanta at Houston 8:40 ET

Astros over Braves- Houston Astros rookie right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (0-1, 21.00 ERA) will make his second career start on Monday. In his big league debut Wednesday he was roughed up by Kansas City. Atlanta Braves right-hander Darius Vines (1-0, 3.98 ERA in 2023) was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett and will start the series opener on Monday. The 25-year-old made five appearances (two starts) for the Braves last season. The Astros have won the past four meetings all in Atlanta. After a 4-11 start the Astros have won their last two over Series Champion Rangers. Take HOUSTON!

San Diego at Milwaukee 7:40 ET

Padres over Brewers- The Milwaukee Brewers will look to bounce back behind resurrected right-hander Joe Ross (1-0, 1.80 ERA), who missed most of the last two seasons after a second Tommy John surgery. Right-hander Joe Musgrove (1-2, 6.87), who gave up one hit over eight innings the last time he faced the Brewers, gets the nod for the Padres. Ross is 2-1 with a 4.00 ERA in five career outings, including three starts, against San Diego, the team that drafted him in the first round in 2011. Musgrove is 1-3 with a 4.04 ERA in eight career starts vs. Milwaukee. His lone victory was in his most recent start against the Brewers and he does it again here. Take SAN DIEGO!

Pittsburgh at NY Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Pirates- Left-hander Martin Perez (1-0, 1.89 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Pirates against right-hander Adrian Houser (0-1, 5.40). The Pirates will look to continue their strong early-season start and the Mets hope to climb to .500 on Monday night when the teams open a three-game series in New York. The Pirates to 11-5 for the first time since 2018 and matched their best 16-game start this century. Perez is 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA in eight career games (four starts) against the Mets. He is 4-3 with a 3.79 ERA in 14 games (10 starts) against the Pirates. Take NEW YORK METS!

San Diego at LA Dodgers 7:10 ET

Padres over Dodgers- Former Dodgers Yu Darvsh (2-0, 3.86 ERA) will get the start for San Diego against his former teammates, well maybe some because he spent three seasons with the cubs and is in his fourth year with San Diego. Since parting LaLaland he is 4-5 against with an outstanding 2.27 ERA in 79 innings with 95 strikeouts, he like to get ready for the ‘Bums. Lefty James Paxton (2-0, 1.64) gets the nod for the Dodgers while only surrendering seven hits in 11 innings he has walked eight. Take SAN DIEGO!

San Francisco at Tampa Bay 1:40 ET

Giants over Rays- Blake Snell (0-1, 9.00 ERA) was quite unimpressive in his Giants debut throwing 72 pitches in just three inning giving up three runs on just two hits taking the loss against Washington. Snell who still feels he has a score to settle with his former club after being yanked in the playoffs is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in six innings. He comes out sharp today. take SAN FRANCISCO!

NY Yankees at Cleveland 1:40 ET

Yankees over Watch Dogs- Nasty Nestor is back! New York’s Nestor Cortez was a huge contributor for the Yankees in 2022 with 28 starts a 12-4 record with a 2.44 ERA. He had injury issues last season and was 5-2 in just 63 innings with an ERA of 4.97 but returned to form last time out. Pitching eight innings and allowing just two hits with no walks throwing 1-2 pitches on Monday. Cleveland who was off to a great start until New York came to town will start Logan Allen  (2-0, 4.60) who was pounded by the weak hitting White Sox for seven hits and five runs in four innings lat time out on Tuesday. Logan is 0-1 vs New York with an ERA of 11.20 while Cortez is 1-0 in 18 innings versus ‘Erie Boys’ allowing just nine hits three of which were home runs. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

San Francisco at Tampa Bay 4:10 ET

Giants over Rays- Run production for Tampa Bay starts with Yandy Diaz in the leadoff spot. It’s been a slow start for Diaz, who’s hitting .196 through 14 games, though he does have 10 RBI. Still, this feels like a mini dip in form for a hitter who posted a .330 batting average with 35 doubles and 22 home runs in 2023. The Rays will start Ryan Pepiot, who they acquired in the trade that sent Tyler Glasnow to the Dodgers. He’s only got 12 career starts under his belt, but he delivered a lights-out performance against the Colorado Rockies last weekend, with six shutout innings and 11 strikeouts. Nothing has come easily this month for the Tampa Bay Rays, with their last five wins coming by two runs or fewer. The Giants fell to 5-9 and they turn to Logan Webb (0-1, 4.86 ERA) today in a showdown that the latest MLB odds have as a coin flip. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Washington at Oakland 4:10 ET

Nationals over A’s- The Oakland Athletics are doing the little things necessary for big things to happen. They've gained momentum by winning five of their past six games. They have come out on top in back-to-back one-run games. The Nationals are 2-2 on a West Coast trip and Washington manager Dave Martinez said he sees regular improvement from his team, but the club has only two runs across the last 19 innings on the trip. The Athletics will go with right-hander Joe Boyle (1-1, 8.22 ERA), who threw five shutout innings Sunday. Left-hander MacKenzie Gore (1-0, 4.09 ERA) is slated to be Washington's starter. He has worked into the sixth inning in both of his starts this season.  Gore, in his third season in the big leagues, will face Oakland for the first time and pick up the win. Take WASHINGTON!

Cincinnati at Chicago White Sox 2:10 ET

White Sox over Reds- Cincinnati routed Chicago 11-1 in Friday's series opener, rolling behind a 12-hit attack and seven strong innings from left-hander Andrew Abbott. Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo is slated to make his season debut when his team visits the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. The Reds will look to keep rolling behind Lodolo, who missed much of the 2023 season with a stress fracture in his left tibia. The White Sox have been held to one run or fewer in seven of 13 games this season. On Saturday, they'll aim to lend support to their top pitcher to date. Left-hander Garrett Crochet (1-1, 2.00 ERA) has struck out 21 batters in 18 innings this season. Crochet has pitched to a 0.00 ERA in three career appearances against the Reds, with two strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. Lodolo has a 7.36 ERA in one career start vs. the White Sox. Take CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Chicago Cubs at Seattle 9:40 ET

Mariners over Cubs- The Mariners' moribund offense finally exploded in the 10th inning Wednesday in Toronto as Seattle pulled out a 6-1 victory to snap a three-game losing streak. The Mariners finished 2-4 on their six-game trip to Milwaukee and Toronto. The Cubs are coming off a 10-2 road loss Wednesday against the San Diego Padres. Cubs left-hander Jordan Wicks (0-1, 4.15 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday against Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller (1-1, 3.00). Miller beat Milwaukee 5-3 on Saturday after pitching seven scoreless innings, allowing three hits and one walk and striking out seven. Miller will be facing the Cubs for the first time. Take SEATTLE!

Texas at Houston 8:00 ET

Astros over Rangers- The Astros and Texas Rangers, who split a four-game series last week in Arlington, Texas. Since both clubs are looking to shake off series defeats. The Rangers dropped two of three at home against the Oakland A's, while the Astros were swept in a three-game road set against the Kansas City Royals. Houston right-hander J.P. France (0-1, 4.76 ERA) is the scheduled starter on Friday. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings in a 7-2 loss to the Rangers on Saturday, and he is with a 4.08 ERA in three career starts against Texas. France went 11-6 with a 3.83 ERA over 24 appearances (23 starts) as a rookie last season. Right-hander Dane Dunning (1-1, 4.15) is scheduled to start the series opener for the Rangers. Dunning is 0-3 with a 5.20 ERA over eight career appearances (five starts) against the Astros. He is 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA in two appearances (one start) at Houston. Take HOUSTON!

Kansas City at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Royals- The Mets and Royals will each be looking to maintain momentum Friday night, when New York hosts Kansas City in the opener of a three-game interleague series. Luis Severino (0-1, 3.60 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Michael Wacha (1-0, 2.25) in a battle of right-handers. The Royals scored at least 10 runs in three of the seven games on the homestand and have scored in double figures four times in the first 13 games. Severino is 3-1 with a 4.66 ERA in five career starts against the Royals. Wacha is 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in eight career starts against the Mets, the Chicago White Sox were the team he pitched for during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Take NEW YORK METS!

Milwaukee at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Reds over Brewers- Brewers left-hander Wade Miley will make his season debut after starting the year on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder impingement. Miley was a valuable part of the Brewers' rotation last season as the team captured the National League Central, posting a 9-4 record with a 3.14 ERA Greene has been strong to start 2024, even though the Reds are 0-2 in his two starts. He has received a pair of no-decisions in 23 starts. Miley is 7-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 14 career games (13 starts) against the Reds. He faced them once in 2023, allowing just four hits and striking out eight over six scoreless innings in a 1-0 win in Milwaukee. Take CINCINNATI!

Houston at Kansas City 7:30 ET

Astros over Royals- The Kansas City Royals completed their first four-game sweep in nearly three years after brushing aside the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. They also improved to 6-4, marking the first time they've been two games over .500 since the first two contests of the 2022 season. Left-hander Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.46 ERA) will start Tuesday's game for Kansas City against right-hander Cristian Javier (1-0, 0.00). Ragans is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in five career outings (four starts) against the Astros. He allowed two runs on three hits in six innings of a 7-5 victory in Houston on Sept. 22. Javier is 0-2 with a 6.57 ERA in four career outings (two starts) against the Royals. After a season-opening, four-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, the Astros have rebounded behind solid pitching to record two shutouts while winning four of seven games. Astros are soaring on their mini winning streak. Take HOUSTON!

Astros over Rangers- After losing seven of their first nine games, the Astros will look to make it two consecutive victories when they visit the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Arlington, Texas. Houston notched a 3-1 victory over the Rangers on Sunday night after losing the first two contests of a four-game set by a combined score of 17-4. Houston has allowed just one run and three hits total in its three victories this season. Texas had won three straight games before falling to the Astros on Sunday. The offense was silent after the Rangers racked up 31 hits in the first two games of the series. Left-hander Framber Valdez (0-0, 2.19 ERA) will start for the Astros in the finale. Valdez walked six in 4 2/3 innings in his season debut against the New York Yankees on March 28. He didn't walk anyone in his second outing when he gave up six hits in 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Toronto Blue Jays last Tuesday. The 30-year-old struggled against Texas last season, going 1-2 with a 4.32 ERA in three starts. Overall, Valdez is 7-5 with a 2.90 ERA in 16 regular-season appearances (13 starts) against the Rangers. Left-hander Andrew Heaney (0-0, 1.93 ERA) will be on the mound for Texas on Monday. Heaney, 32, gave up three runs (one earned) and four hits over 4 2/3 innings in his lone start of the season, against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Heaney went 1-0 with a 2.75 ERA in four starts against Houston last season. Overall, he is 4-4 with a 3.35 ERA in 15 career regular-season starts against the Astros. Take HOUSTON!

Houston at Texas 7:00 ET

Astros over Rangers- Houston Astros right-hander Ronel

Blanco (1-0, 0.00 ERA) is set to make his first start since he threw the 17th no-hitter in franchise history when the Astros continue their four-game series against the rival Texas Rangers on Sunday in Arlington, Texas. Texas has outscored the Astros 17-4 in winning the first two games of the series. Texas will counter on Sunday with right-hander Dane Dunning (1-0, 4.26 ERA), who allowed three runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 9-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays last Monday. Dunning, 29, took a one-hitter into the seventh inning and exited after throwing 93 pitches. Houston has lost seven of its first nine games of the season and is five games under .500 for the first time since June 12, 2016. They turn it around here. Take HOUSTON!

New York Mets at Cincinnati 4:10 ET

Mets over Reds- The Reds will send right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 5.40 ERA) to the mound on Saturday for his second start of the season. On Sunday in his Cincinnati debut, Martinez was tagged for six hits and three runs in five innings against the Washington Nationals. Martinez will be making his first career start against the Mets, as his four previous appearances vs. New York came in relief. He allowed three hits and one run over 3 2/3 innings in those outings, striking out four and walking two. The Mets will counter with Luis Severino (0-1, 5.40 ERA), who will also be making his second start in a new uniform. In his Mets debut on March 30, the right-hander was charged with six runs, three earned, on 11 hits, including a home run. He fanned six without issuing a walk. Severino owns a 1-0 record with a 3.29 ERA in three career starts against Cincinnati. While making his season debut for the New York Yankees last May 21 in Cincinnati, Severino yielded one run on four hits over 4 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out five during a no-decision. Take the NEW YORK METS!

Boston at L.A. Angels 9:35 ET

Angels over Red Sox- Right-hander Kutter Crawford (0-0, 0.00) is scheduled to start for the Red Sox. He earned a no-decision in his first start this year despite pitching well, six innings, one run (unearned), three hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. Angels right-hander Griffin Canning (0-1, 9.00 ERA) will try to bounce back after losing his first start of the season, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk in five innings against the Orioles last Saturday. He is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two career starts against Boston. Take LA ANGLES!

Houston at Texas 8:00 ET

Astros over Rangers- The matchup marks the first meeting between the teams since Texas won last season's American League Championship Series 4-3. The road team won all seven games in the series. The Rangers have struggled against their divisional rival in recent years at Globe Life Field in Arlington. The Astros have won eight straight at the ballpark, including the postseason. Texas will send right-hander Cody Bradford (1-0, 3.60 ERA) to the mound in Friday's series opener. Bradford, 26, allowed two runs on three hits over five innings in an 11-2 win over the Chicago Cubs last Saturday. Bradford is 0-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three appearances (no starts) against the Astros in his career. Houston will counter with right-hander Hunter Brown (0-0, 0.00), who allowed one unearned run over four innings in a no-decision against the New York Yankees last Saturday. Brown, 25, has gone 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA in three career starts versus Texas. The Astros are favored on road at the World Series Champions place...don’t make sense! Take HOUSTON!

San Diego at San Francisco 4:10 ET

Padres over Giants- The Giants have lost four straight and five of seven to open the season, including a three-game sweep in Los Angeles against the Dodgers to start the week. The San Francisco Giants will get the opportunity to introduce manager Bob Melvin to their fans when they host their home opener against the San Diego Padres on Friday afternoon. The clubs met to open the Giants' season in San Diego, where Melvin was the manager the past two years. He recorded his first two Giants wins in the middle two games of the series, before and after the Padres earned a split by winning on Thursday and Sunday. Padres right-hander Dylan Cease (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who will get the call in the rematch. Acquired in a trade from the Chicago White Sox in March, Cease took the loss in his Padres debut despite allowing three earned runs (two earned) and two hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out six. Cease had beaten the Giants in both previous meetings. Over three career appearances, he's gone 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA. One of the wins came in his only previous visit to San Francisco, a 7-3 White Sox win in which he allowed just one run in five innings. For the second straight start, he will be matched up with right-hander Jordan Hicks (1-0, 0.00), who shut out the Padres on three hits over five innings to earn a win in his Giants debut. Take SAN DIEGO!

NY Yankees at Arizona 3:40 ET

Diamondbacks over Yankees- New York opened the season with five straight victories for the first time since 1992, but there wasn't much good about Tuesday night's 7-0 loss to Arizona. The Yankees will aim to get back to winning on Wednesday afternoon when they look to claim the finale of a three-game series. Arizona has won four of its first six games in a solid start as it defends its National League crown from last season. Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly (1-0, 1.35 ERA) and Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (0-0, 2.08) will match up in the finale. Kelly, 35, is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in two career starts against the Yankees. He received a no-decision at New York last season when he gave up two runs and four hits over five innings on Sept. 25. Rodon is 0-3 with a 5.53 ERA in five career starts against Arizona. Take ARIZONA!

Minnesota at Milwaukee 4:10 ET

Twins over Brewers- Both Milwaukee and Minnesota were the only MLB teams who were off Monday. The Brewers, under first-year manager Pat Murphy, completed a season-opening three-game sweep of the Mets with a 4-1 victory Sunday and look to continue their red-hot start when they host the Minnesota Twins in their home opener Tuesday. After winning their first two games, the Twins were blanked 11-0 at Kansas City on Sunday. Right-hander Jakob Junis will be making his Brewers debut in the opener of the two-game series, while the Twins counter with right-hander Louie Varland. Despite winning two of the first three games, the Twins are hitting just. 210 as a team with one home run. twins bats wake up here. take MINNESOTA!

Cleveland at Seattle 9:40 ET

Watch Dogs over Mariners- The Cleveland Guardians expected a lot out of Triston McKenzie last season. McKenzie (0-3, 5.06 ERA in 2023) is scheduled to make his 2024 debut Monday night when the Guardians open a three-game series at Seattle. He went 11-11 with a 2.96 ERA in 2022. But the right-hander suffered an ulnar collateral ligament sprain last spring that sidelined him until June, then a major muscle strain. Seattle will start Emerson Hancock (0-0, 4.50 ERA in 2023), who had his own injury issues after making his major league debut last season. Seattle has a total of 10 runs on 23 hits and has struck out 45 times. Take CLEVELAND!

St. Louis at San Diego 9:40 ET

Cardinals over Padres- The San Diego Padres are showing the type of offensive punch they so often lacked last year averaging 7.5 runs per game. Yet they are just 2-3 on the season. The Padres have some concerns about starting pitching which is their weakest link. St. Louis has emerged from spring training feeling good about its prospects of bouncing back from a 71-91 record, its first losing season in 16 years and first 90-loss campaign since 1990. Veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson is coming off a 15-9 season in 2023 for the American League East champion Baltimore Orioles. He'll make his sixth career start against San Diego, going 2-1 with a 4.28 ERA in the previous five and 1-0 with a 6.32 ERA in three outings at Petco Park. Take ST. LOUIS!

Texas at Tampa Bay 6:50 ET

Rays over Rangers- The last time the Texas Rangers came to Florida, they swept two games against the Tampa Bay Rays in an American League wild-card series en route to winning the World Series. The Rangers will give the ball to right-hander Dane Dunning (12-7, 3.70 ERA in 2023). Ryan Pepiot makes his organizational debut as Tampa Bay's No. 4 starter. In 17 games (10 starts) with the Dodgers, Pepiot produced a 5-1 record, a 2.76 ERA and a 1.085 WHIP. Last year, he went 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA and a superb 0.762 WHIP in eight games (three starts). Take TAMPA BAY!

Pittsburgh at Miami 1:40 ET

Marlins over Pirates- It is very unusual for me to switch sides in a series especially after winning the last two of a 4-game set but I believe that I’ve moved over to another winner. The Pirates have won four straight over Miami going back to the final game of 2023 and already a three game start on the 2024. But, Sunday the pitching matchup can not be ignored and the edge is so huge for the Marlins I could not stay away. The Marlins will start Trevor Rogers who sat out most of last season appearing in just four games and working 18 total innings. He showed signs of greatness allowing less hits than innings and with more strike outs that hits allowed. On the other side Pittsburgh will send lefty Bailey Falter who in 40 innings he allowed 25 runs and 10 home runs with an ERA close to six runs per game. Take MIAMI!

NY Yankees at Houston 7:15 ET

Yankees over Astros- Right-hander Marcus Stroman (10-9, 3.95 ERA in 2023) will make his Yankees debut as their scheduled starter on Saturday. He was winless over his final seven appearances (five starts) last season, going 0-3 with an 11.00 ERA and a blown save for the Chicago Cubs. Right-hander Hunter Brown (11-13, 5.09 ERA in 2023) is scheduled to start for the Astros on Saturday. He recorded a decision in 11 consecutive appearances (10 starts) going 5-6 with a 7.11 ERA during that stretch. After starting last season 5-1 with a 3.12 ERA, Brown dropped six of seven decisions with a 5.83 ERA over his subsequent eight starts. He finished 1-4 with an 8.74 ERA in six games (five starts) to end the season. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Chicago Cubs at Texas 7:05 ET

Cubs over Rangers- The Rangers will receive their championship rings prior to the contest on Saturday against the Cubs. For some reason this rarely seems to work for the clubs receiving their rewards. Texas hopes to capitalize on that momentum when it sends left-hander Cody Bradford to the mound. Bradford, posted a 4-3 record with a 5.30 ERA in 20 appearances (eight starts) last season, his first in the majors. He has yet to face the Cubs in his career. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks, the final remaining player from Chicago's 2016 World Series-winning team, will get the start on Saturday. He was injured last season but put together a 6-8 record with a 3.74 ERA in 24 starts last season. He allowed three hits over six scoreless innings to win his lone career encounter against Texas, in 2016. Take CHICAGO CUBS!

Pittsburgh at Miami 4:10 ET

Pirates over Marlins- Pittsburgh has won the first two games of the season-opening series, including 7-2 on Friday. The Pirates are 2-0 for the first time since 2018. Pittsburgh starting pitcher Jared Jones entered spring training expecting to begin the season at the Triple-A level. Instead, the highly touted prospect will be on the mound for his major league debut when the Pirates play on Saturday. Jones earned a spot in the Pirates' rotation after tossing 16 1/3 scoreless innings across six games (five starts) in the Grapefruit League. Miami will send left-hander Ryan Weathers (1-8, 6.55 ERA in 2023) to the mound against the Pirates. Weathers solidified his spot in the rotation after recording a 3.00 ERA and a 21-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 18 innings during spring training.  He had a 7.62 ERA in three games (two starts) with Miami after being acquired last August. National League batting champion Luis Arraez is 0-for-10 for the Marlins, who have hit into seven double plays through two games. Take PTTSBURGH!

New York at Houston 8:10 ET

Yankees over Astros- It was quite a surprise the way the Yankees rallied from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Astros. To start with they have not been the type of club that is able to rally because of their all or nothing philosophy. New York has had Houston’s number during the regular season winning the past four meetings but it has been the Astros who dominated the post season meetings. This is not the post season and Carlos Rodon made one of his rare appearances and shut down the Astros last September and he can do it again...after all it is still the regular season. Cristian Javier (10-5, 4.56 ERA in 2023) labored down the stretch last season, posting an 0-3 record and 5.11 ERA over six starts before twirling six shutout innings in an 8-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Oct. 1. Javier is 1-1 in five games (four starts) against the Yankees in his career. Last season, he was 0-1. He absorbed a 6-1 loss to the Yankees on Sept. 3 at Minute Maid Park. New York’s Carlos Rodon is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in his career against Houston. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Pittsburgh at Miami 7:10 ET

Pirates over Marlins- Miami Marlins left-hander A.J. Puk is set to make his first career start. Puk, who has a 3.72 career ERA, will take the mound Friday night when the Marlins play host to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates beat the Marlins 6-5 in 12 innings on Thursday during the season opener for both clubs. Pittsburgh will try to make it two straight when it sends lefty Martin Perez to the mound on Friday. Perez has a 4.44 ERA in 288 career games (243 starts), and he had a 4.45 ERA in 35 games (20 starts) last season for the Rangers. Take PITTSBURGH!

Minnesota at Kansas City 4:10 ET

Twins over Royals- The Minnesota Twins open their American League Central title defense against the host Kansas City Royals on Thursday afternoon. The Twins had a relatively quiet offseason, with more significant departures than roster additions. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said of Lopez making his second consecutive Opening Day start for Minnesota. Making his first career Opening Day start, left-hander Cole Ragans leads a revamped Royals pitching staff. In his only previous start against the Twins, Ragans allowed one run and five hits over four innings while pitching for the Texas Rangers in 2022. Kansas City was one of the most active teams this past offseason, spending over $110 million in free agency to rebuild a pitching staff that ranked near the bottom of the majors in many pitching metrics. All of the moves come in the wake of a 56-106 campaign in which the Royals matched the franchise record for losses. Take MINNESOTA!

Chip’s FREE MLB Winner

Pittsburgh at Miami 4:10 ET

Marlins over Pirates- The Marlins will begin the season with four starting pitchers on the injured list: 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara as well as young standouts Eury Perez, Edward Cabrera and Braxton Garrett. Miami, though, is so deep in starting pitching that three elite-type young arms remain available: Jesus Luzardo, Trevor Rogers and Max Meyer. The Pirates will give the ball to right-hander Mitch Keller, who broke into the majors in 2019 but is coming off his first winning season. Take MIAMI!

Texas at Arizona 8:05 ET

Rangers over Diamondbacks- Texas, which is a record 10-0 on the road in the postseason, will look to complete a perfect away run behind Nathan Eovaldi. The veteran right-hander is 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA over five postseason starts, with 36 strikeouts and five walks in 30 2/3 innings. He allowed five runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in Game 1, which Texas won 6-5 in 11 innings. He fanned eight and walked one. In eight career regular-season appearances (five starts) against the Diamondbacks, Eovaldi is 3-0 with a 2.78 ERA. Arizona will turn to their ace, Zac Gallen. The right-hander has not been as sharp in the postseason as he was in the regular season, going 2-2 with a 5.27 ERA in five October starts. He has given up six home runs and walked 13 batters while striking out 18 in 27 1/3 innings. My old friend Larry Ness would say take the team facing elimination (Arizona) because you can only lose once. My buddy hated the pressure of posting games to clients and just wanted the season to end. Well, I want to end it on a winner. I’m sure that I will have plenty of company (the public) with this one...Take TEXAS!

Texas at Arizona 8:05 ET

Rangers over Diamondbacks- In his tenth season and sixth team Andrew Heaney is starting in the postseason for the second consecutive year. Arizona’s Jon Mantiply a reliever by trade is starting and he has averaged just 2/3 of an inning his last 10 appearances. I can not put much faith in a team that has to use a reliever in Game Four of the World Series. It is a sign of weakness and smells of desperation and it is too early for that. But, Diamondbacks are young and must have thoughts of ‘where we would be if we had only closed out Game 1’. I like the spot the Rangers are in and expect plenty of runs. Take TEXAS!

Texas at Arizona 8:05 ET

Diamondbacks over Rangers- Happy to post the Game 2 winner with Arizona and now they return home for Game 3 with people beginning to believe. Texas would be in quite a spot if they didn’t respond in the clutch as they did in Game 1, but they did and the same kind of pressure is going to be on them again. Except this time they will see three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer taking the hill and while he adds confidence to his teammates the general public doesn’t have the same sentiment. His number have not been impressive in this post season with an ERA of 9.45 and is 0-1. His counterpart for the Diamondbacks is rookie Brandon Pfaadt who will be making his fifth post-season start (Max has 29 appearances) and he was 3-9, 5.72 ERA during the regular season. But, in his last two starts against the Phillies he had 16 strikeouts in just 9.2 innings with only two walks and six hits allowed. Game 3 of the World Series I’ll back experience...take TEXAS!

Arizona at Texas 8:05 ET

Diamondbacks over Rangers- ‘We’ have been riding Arizona (and Texas as well for that matter) throughout the playoffs and the profit margin has been hefty. We now face Game 2 where Texas will send Jordan Montgomery (3-0, 2.16 ERA in playoffs) to the bump and he has faced Arizona just twice in his career with both appearances this season once for St. Louis and the other while with the Rangers. Starting for the Cardinals in April and got bombed while in his most recent start for Texas he threw eight scoreless innings. The D’backs will start Merrill Kelly (2-1, 2.65) and he has made one career start against Texas giving up just one run and three hits in 7.2 innings. Sweating this one out take...ARIZONA!

Arizona at Texas 8:00 ET

Diamondback over Rangers- So. whose ‘mojo’ is stronger...both of these clubs have used the underdog role to their advantage can be said that Arizona who had the worst qualifying record to make the playoffs and it may be Arizona as few expected them out of them. I can not say that I expected it but we did play them all the way and here we are, Player by player match-ups really mean little in the playoffs and stats put up by the winners are hard to grasp both good and bad. Arizona’s Zack Gallen the All-star game winner had a rocky second half and his last five playoff deciding games have not gone well. In his last 28 innings he’s surrendered 31 hits with six homers and 15 earned runs actually going 2-0 over that span. Mojo is a bitch and difficult to overcome when up against it. Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi has won four straight postseason starts not including his three appearances over eight innings in the 2018 Word Series against the Dodgers surrendering just three hits and one run on a Max Muncy home run. But alas, as it appears to me the baseball Gods may have ordained the Diamondbacks...Take ARIZONA!

Arizona at Philadelphia 5:07 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- Who do you think is feeling more pressure in this Game 7 the heavily favored Phillies or the happy to be here with nothing to lose upstart Diamondbacks. I sort of loaded that like political poll questions. But, we have seen this before as a matter of fact in three previous playoff series this post season. No doubt Philadelphia feels more comfortable at home but they are no longer unbeaten as host in the playoffs. I really don’t believe it matters who the starting pitchers are as the first sign of trouble they’ll get the quick hook. Arizona going with rookie Brandon Pfaadt who has a 2.13 ERA in the postseason and the Brotherly Love boys will send Rangers Suarez 1-0, with a 0.64 ERA in the postseason. Oddly enough in the 141 year history of the Philadelphia Baseball Club they have never played in a Game 7. Suarez is 3-0 in postseason with a 0.94 ERA overall but against the Snakes he is 1-3 with a 5.09 ERA in nine appearances. Phillies have to have some doubt now because you know, they had a chance to win it yesterday. Take ARIZONA!

Texas at Houston 8:07 ET

Rangers over Astros- Why not again...the unexpected has been the theme for this series with visitor winning all six contests which make 10 straight games between these two where the visiting team has won...10 straight! The Rangers have turned to Max Scherzer who was knocked out of his last start the 8-5 Game 3 loss and but has bounced back from poor performances three straight times. Cristian Javier has two appearances against Texas giving up 10 runs in 10 innings but was let off the hook as his mates scored 8 and 12 runs. Take TEXAS!

Arizona at Philadelphia 5:07 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola has been outstanding during the postseason and has had a stellar performance against these Diamondbacks in Phillies Game 2 10-0 win where he struck out seven with no walks with three hits and zero runs. He has defeated Miami, Atlanta and Arizona but this will be this first time that he has faces a club twice in the same series.(if that matters). And, in his final start before the playoffs last season he surrendered eight runs and 10 hits in four innings at Arizona. Merrill Kelly was knocked out in the 10-0 loss giving up four runs on just three hits (2 HRs) but he has been the ‘Snakes’ most consistent starter. I said from the start that this series would go seven games so it has to be...ARIZONA!

Texas at Houston 8:07 ET

Rangers over Astros- Why not...the unexpected has been the theme for this series with visitor win all five contests which make nine straight games between these two where the visiting team has won...NINE straight! The way thing have developed the past few days I almost turned to a total with Eovaldi and Valdez taking the hill and they both have excellent post season records. It is the Rangers time to respond and with their backs to the wall they will pull out all stops. Take TEXAS!

Philadelphia at Arizona 8:07 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- When in Rome...do what Romans due! When in Arizona do what Snakes a do and when in Philadelphia do what the Phils do...win. I know how good Wheeler is I saw it in New York but Philly is different at the plate here as to the tiny bandbox they play in (actually it’s pretty nice park). But, I can not fight this home team mojo or karma. Take ARIZONA!

Philadelphia at Arizona 8:00 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- It is difficult for me personally to grasp the concept of bullpen pitchers starting post-season games when a team has had a rotation for 162 games. Arizona is going to an ‘All-staff’ mode in Game 4 of the NCLS and for them hopefully it will keep the Phillies sluggers off balance. But, it appears that the home field is the key factor in this series as Philadelphia’s bats have gone cold in the desert heat. Cristopher Sanchez gets the start for Philly and he has an ERA of 27.00 against the D’backs in 1.2 innings. Take ARIZONA!

Houston at Texas 5:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- The New York Mets brass get to see their two top starters for the 2023 season work the postseason, unfortunately for them they are pitching for a pair of AL clubs. Max Scherzer starts for Texas and Justin Verlander starts tonight for Houston. He is 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA in the playoffs and his mound opponent is another former New York starter (Yankees) Jordan Montgomery (2-0, 2.08). Monte pitched Game 1 and went 6.2 innings surrendering just five hits and no runs to pick up the win. In his only regular season appearance against the Astros he went 6.2 innings  giving up one earned run in a 4-2 win. Take TEXAS!

Houston at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- Well, many have expected that Max Scherzer along with Justin Verlander would be pitching in the post season but that was supposed to be with the New York Mets but instead that are hurling for the two AL finalist. Texas is up 2-0 on the defending World Series Champions and will send Scherzer to the hill and he hasn’t thrown in a real game since September 12 and on the 6th he was racked by Houston for seven runs on six hits in just three innings. Cristian Javier is starting for the Astros and he hasn’t allowed a run in his three post season starts surrendering just two hits in 16.2 total innings pitched. So, we have a pair of starters who past performances are atrocious and sublime and I expect a reversal of fortune. Take TEXAS!

Arizona at Philadelphia 8:05 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- Philadelphia is looking to return to the World Series and with Bryce Harper on a mission they are the favorite and will open the NCLS with  Zack Wheeler (1-0, 2.08 ERA postseason) he allowed one run and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings in a win over the Miami Marlins in the wild-card round. He permitted three runs (two earned) and fanned 10 in 6 1/3 frames of a no-decision against Atlanta. He is 6-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 11 career appearances (all starts) against Arizona after splitting a pair of decisions versus the Diamondbacks in the regular season. Arizona will send right-hander Zac Gallen (2-0, 3.18) to the hill and he has been consistent in his two starts in the postseason. He yielded two runs on five hits in each start to help Arizona record a sweep over both the Milwaukee Brewers (in the wild-card round) and Dodgers (in the NLDS). Gallen is 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in five career appearances (all starts) versus the Phillies.  Through it all I spoke of the ‘mojo’ and a case can be made for both sides and this has become the a move for the most unlikely scenario as the Phillies did last season. Take ARIZONA!

Texas at Houston 8:15 ET

Astros over Rangers- The fact is these two teams ended in a tie and their number pan out to a virtual dead-heat. Texas has won five consecutive games to open this postseason, matching the longest such streak in franchise history and will start left-hander Jordan Montgomery he is 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts with Texas this season and is 1-0 in the playoffs with a 3.27 ERA against the Rays and Orioles.

His start on Sunday will be his first career postseason start against Houston and he is 1-1 with a 3.73 ERA over six career starts against the Astros. Now, even more impressive is Justin Verlander whose lifetime record against the Rangers has been dominating as he is 21-8 2.60 ERA ,242 strikeouts in 218 innings only 174 hits surrendered. Besides those incredible numbers he is also 17-11 with a 3.54 ERA in 36 career postseason appearances. Some choice huh...think about this Houston has won seven of the last eight meetings. But as I have said before when a team is playing with ‘mojo’ as the Rangers are things happen...take TEXAS!

Atlanta at Philadelphia 6:10 ET

Phillies over Braves- Could this be a repeat of the 2022 playoff series where the Phillies took down the Braves 3-1 in games and won both contests in Philadelphia. The home advantage for the Phillies seem as big as anything as they are now 9-2 in their last 11 home playoff games including a 2-0 sweep of Atlanta last season. The Wahoo’s may have the pitching advantage with Spencer Strider (20-5) getting the start, but these newer ‘Wiz-Kids’ have the mojo on there side. When a team has this kind of karma they are hard to beat and the beat goes on...take PHILADELPHIA!

Atlanta at Philadelphia 6:00 ET

Phillies over Braves- Hey, how ‘bout those pitching moves made by the Phillies in Game Two...No sense sticking with what is working if I can show every one how smart I am. Yep, that’s how I see it. Now, Aaron Nola is one started that the Phils management allows to pitch deep into games and even sometimes to a fault but not regularly. Nola has already thrown seven shutout playoff innings and he is 15-10 with a 3.40 ERA lifetime against the Braves logging 202 innings and only surrendering 178 hits with 203 strikeouts. Philly is 8-2 in their last 10 home playoff games. Braves with all the rest still haven’t decided who their starter will be, that doesn’t bode confidence to me...Take PHILADELPHIA!

Baltimore at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Orioles- It’s too bad at least from my eyes of what is about to happen because although ‘we’ did not play on the Orioles much during the season it was a joy to watch them come to play day in and day out. But, the playoffs are a different animal and if you have never been there before things are just a little different. Now, that withstanding it holds the same for Texas except that that came in starting with a hand that became hot after opener beating Tampa 2-0 and then veteran Nathan Ecvaldi (12-5, 3.65 ERA) closed out the Rays leading the way as they swept the Rays 7-1. Nathan has had clutch playoff performances and his confidence keeps these ferociously vicious Rangers bats relaxed. They are ON the ball. Take TEXAS!

Arizona at LA Dodgers 9:00 ET

Diamondbacks over Dodgers- Arizona’s Zac Gallen has had a great season including an All-Star victory but he had one major problem and that was getting past these LA Dodgers. Gallen was 0-2 with a 9.90 ERA against them after having won 17 games and hurled to a 3.47 ERA. Los Angeles’ rookie right-hander Bobby Miller was 11-4 with a 3.76 ERA during the regular season including a win over the D’backs. But, this is the playoffs and with the pressure already on them LA faces a team brimming with confidence. Take ARIZONA!

Texas at Baltimore 4:05 ET

Orioles over Rangers- Baltimore was able to take a deep breath after their opening series loss 3-2 to the Rangers as they realize this is a best of five series. Texas will send Jordan Montgomery to the hill and he opened the Wild Card round defeating Tampa Bay 2-0 with seven shutout innings and he is 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in 16 career starts against the O’s. The Orioles send rookie Grayson Rodriguez who closed the season 5-2 in his last 13 starts with a 2.58 ERA. These birds have been the best in the AL all season and I expect them to respond today. Take BALTIMORE!

Miami at Philadelphia 8:05 ET

Marlins over Phillies- I can not recall how many times I thought that Miami was done and their run was ready to come to an end. But, the resilient Marlins hung in and on into the post season and once again it looks like they are finished. Tonight, they send Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66 ERA) to the mound and he has had one outing against the Phillies last season where he struck out 11 and is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA. Philadelphia will go with work horse Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46) while going 0-1 with a 5.47 in his final five starts. He is also 5-10 with a 3.58 ERA against Miami in 23 appearances including a pair of losses this year in three starts surrendering 13 runs in 16 innings giving up five home runs. Take MIAMI!

Arizona at Milwaukee 7:05 ET

Diamondbacks over Brewers- The Diamondbacks came through for ‘us’ yesterday as our Top-Rated Wild Card winner and made a hefty profit. After losing their final four games of the regular season Arizona is ready to advance with a win behind their ace Zac Gallen (17-9, 3.47 ERA) who is 3-3 with a 1.75 ERA in six appearances against Milwaukee. In two starts this season against the Brewers he was 2-0 in 14 innings allowing just six hits and only one run (on a homer). The desperate Brewers can not use scheduled starter Brandon Woodruff and will go with Freddy Peralta (12-10, 3.86) and he is 3-0 with an era of 0.55 in 16 innings with 24 strikeouts. No doubt he has been great against the Diamondbacks but baseball is a team game and funky stuff happens in the playoffs. Take ARIZONA!

Toronto at Minnesota 4:35 ET

Twins over Blue Jays- The Twins felt like that were going to end their record 18-game post-season streak end they saw their nemesis the New York Yankees failed to make the playoffs. the Yankees had defeated Minnesota 16-of 17 playoff games dating back to the Tins last post season victory which came in 2004. Toronto manager John Schneider said the they will not dwell on their loss...so I expect them to lose again so he will have a strong memory of their post defeat. Sonny Gray (8-8, 2.79 ERA) gets the start for hr Twins and he is 4-4 with a 2.91 ERA in 15 career appearances against the Blue Jays. Toronto will send Jose Berrios (11-12, 3.65) to the mound and he is 3-1 with a 4.03 ERA pitching 5.2 scoreless innings in May. Not today. Take MINNESOTA!

Arizona at Milwaukee 7:10 ET

Diamondbacks over Brewers- When a team can lose their last four games of the season and stills qualifies for the post-season they are destined to cause playoffs issues for everybody. Last year it was Philadelphia that was the lowest rated team to make the playoffs and they went to the World Series. This game may be more about mojo that talent and it can does does shift on a dime. The home field and pitchers are of not concern as the best often lose and weak prevail. The Diamondbacks seem the most unlikely to advance but they can still bite with venom. Take ARIZONA!

Philadelphia at New York Mets 3:10 ET

Mets over Phillies- Philadelphia is just looking to set their rotation for Tuesday’s wild card game against either Miami or Arizona. New York swept a meaningless double-header on Saturday and will complete the 3-game sweep today with Jose Butto (1-3, 3.75 ERA)) getting the start. The Phillies will send Matt Strahm (9-5, 3.32) to the hill to be followed by Nick Nelson who will make his first appearance of the year. Take the METS!

Cincinnati at St. Louis 7:15 ET

Reds over Cardinals- It doesn’t look like St. Louis is playing the spoiler as they continue to fade no matter who they may be playing. Starting left-hander Drew Rom (1-4, 7.98 ERA) to the hill to face a team that scored 19 runs the night before. Now, this wasn’t a meaningless contest as the win moved Cincinnati into a tie with the Cubs for the final Wild Card spot. Rom has surrendered 13 runs in 6.2 innings in his last two starts and the Reds can not wait to get to the plate. Take CINCINNATI!

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Brewers over Cubs- The Chicago Cubs' wild-card hopes run directly through Milwaukee and they will start Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (6-8, 3.66 ERA) against the Brewers Friday night. The Cubs (82-77) lost at Atlanta 5-3 on Thursday, capping a three-game sweep by the Braves. He is 10-8 with a 3.40 ERA against them in his career, Chicago, 6-13 in its last 19 games, is a half-game behind Miami (82-76) for the final NL wild-card spot. Milwaukee (90-69) clinched the division title on Tuesday when the Cubs lost at Atlanta will start right-hander Colin Rea (6-6, 4.74) gets the nod for Milwaukee. Rea is 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA in five September appearances, including two starts. Take MILWAUKEE!

Texas at Seattle 9:40 ET

Mariners over Rangers- Seattle trails the division leading Texas Rangers by four games with four left to play but are only one game behind Houston for the AL Wild Card spot. At home with their backs against the wall the Mariners are going with their best in Logan Gilbert ( 13-7, 3.75 ERA) whose last outting was a 2-0 loss to The Rangers in Arlington. He is avering a strike out and inning and only eight hits per nine innings pitched. Jordan Montgomery (4-2, 2.92 ERA with Texas) started and won that game at home and now the forces have shifted. Take SEATTLE!

Houston at Seattle 9:40 ET

Astros over Mariners- The Mariners (85-72) beat the Astros 6-2 Tuesday to even the series at a game apiece. The Astros have lost 10 of their past 14 games as they try to extend their playoff streak to seven consecutive seasons. They've won two World Series in that span, including last year's. The Mariners are one-half game behind the Astros in the standings but even in the loss column. While the Mariners are facing the Rangers, the Astros will end the season with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are in a fierce fight for a National League wild-card berth. Bryce Miller (8-6, 4.17 ERA) has faced the Astros twice this season, winning both without allowing an earned run on just four hits over 12 1/3 innings. Miller is 0-2 with a 5.49 ERA in September and the Astros will counter with left-hander Framber Valdez (12-11, 3.39). He is 5-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 11 career appearances (nine starts) against the Mariners. Take HOUSTON!

San Diego at San Francisco 9:45 ET

Giants over Padres- It seems a bit unbelievable to see the Giants and Pares tied with the exact same record. At the season’s start maybe we could have considered it but San Diego is making a too late serge that has seen them win nine of their last 10 games while San Francisco has dropped eight of their last 10, ergo 77-79. Both teams trail the Cubs for the final NL playoff spot bt five games with six games remaining. Each team will have its ace going in the series opener, with Padres left-hander Blake Snell (14-9, 2.33 ERA) opposing Giants righty Logan Webb (10-13, 3.35). Snell has more at stake this week than just a longshot's bid for the playoffs. He has pitched himself into the thick of the NL Cy Young Award race by going unbeaten in his last five starts, running off four straight wins with a 0.56 ERA. Webb has yet to face the Padres this season, leaving his career mark against them at 2-2 with a 2.77 ERA in nine head-to-heads. Giants bounce back here. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Seattle at Texas 7:10 ET

Rangers over Mariners- Texas (85-68) recorded an 8-5 victory Friday that allowed it to move past the Houston Astros (85-69) into first in the division. Seattle (84-69) is one game back. Seattle also is competing for one of the AL's three wild-card spots. The Mariners are on the outside of the race as they trail the second-place Toronto Blue Jays by 1 1/2 games and the Astros by a half-game. Right-hander Logan Gilbert (13-6, 3.77 ERA) will start for Seattle on Saturday. Gilbert went 8-0 in a 13-start stretch before the setback against the Dodgers last time out. Left-hander Jordan Montgomery (9-11, 3.38) will be on the mound for Texas. He is 3-2 with a 3.29 ERA in nine starts for the Rangers since being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals. Take TEXAS!

Toronto at Tampa Bay 4:10 ET

Rays over Blue Jays- The Rays will give the ball to Zack Littell (3-6, 4.12 ERA) on Saturday, and he will look to improve on a solid September that has yielded nothing in his win column. Over four starts this month, the right-hander is 0-2 despite a 3.33 ERA. With left-handers Hyun Jin Ryu lined up to pitch for Toronto on Saturday and Ryu (3-3 2.62 ERA) is 0-2 with a 3.05 ERA in four September starts. In five career starts against the Rays, the southpaw has no record but a sterling 2.55 ERA. But, today it is TAMPA BAY!

Milwaukee at St. Louis 1:15 ET

Cardinals over Brewers- The Brewers (86-66) reduced their magic number to four on Wednesday as they handled the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 and the second-place Chicago Cubs (79-73) fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-7. Wade Miley (8-4, 3.38 ERA) will get the start for Milwaukee on Thursday. The left-hander earned a 5-3 victory over the Washington Nationals in his latest outing, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings on Friday. Miley is 3-6 with a 4.11 ERA in 12 career starts against the Cardinals. Miles Mikolas (7-12, 4.84 ERA) will draw the Thursday start for St. Louis. He has allowed 10 runs on 15 hits in 11 1/3 innings while losing his past two starts but he is 8-4 with a 3.69 ERA against Milwaukee in 14 games (13 starts). Take ST. LOUIS!

Minnesota at Cincinnati 7:10 ET

Twins over Reds- Right-hander Kenta Maeda (5-7, 4.50 ERA) will start on Tuesday for Minnesota (79-72), which has a magic number of five to clinch the American League Central. Maeda is coming off one of his best starts of the season. On Thursday, he gave the host Chicago White Sox just two runs on four hits and one walk over seven innings. He fanned eight in Minnesota's 10-2 victory. The Twins are 9-10 in games Maeda has pitched in this season. Maeda is 2-1 with a 4.62 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Reds. Cincinnati, which has been piecing together a rotation for most of the season due to injuries and lately COVID-19, will go with right-hander Fernando Cruz (1-1, 4.05 ERA) as an opener. The rookie has never faced the Twins. Right-hander Ben Lively (4-7, 5.22 ERA) is expected to pitch as well. Lively has made 12 starts this season, but he has logged just one relief appearance since returning from the COVID injured list last week. the Reds (79-73) back into a tie with the Chicago Cubs (78-72) for the National League's third and final wild-card berth, one half-game ahead of the Miami Marlins (78-73). Take MINNESOTA!

Baltimore at Houston 8:10 ET

Astros over Orioles- This play is primarily posted because Baltimore clinched a playoff spot their first since 2016 yesterday with their win over Tampa Bay and they may be playing tonight’s game with a sigh of relief. Meanwhile the first palce Astros are being hounded by Texas, Seattle and Toronto for the final AL wild card spot if not the division outright. Justin Verlander (5-3, 3.86 ERA) has seen better days having been knocked around two of his last three starts but is 10-6, 3.62 ERA in 24 lifetime appearances against the Orioles but is only 1-4 in his last eight starts. The O’s should be hung over. Take HOUSTON!

Philadelphia at Atlanta 7:20 ET

Phillies over Braves- The loss ended Philadelphia's two-game winning streak. The Phillies (81-68) own sole possession of the first wild-card spot in the National League by three games over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Braves (96-53) lost their third straight game since clinching their sixth consecutive NL East title. Before this weekend, they hadn't lost a series to an NL East opponent all season. Atlanta has been on cruse control of late and are 5-5 in their last 10 games and are throwing out damaged good tonight in Kyle Wright (0-2. 7.48 ERA) who after going 21-5 with a 3.19 ERA in 2022. Aside from last season his career record over six years is just 2-10 with an ERA of 6.98. Zack Wheeler (11-6, 3.70) was bombed by the Braves last time out on Tuesday...atonement today he is 11-7,  3.24 ERA in 26 starts. Take PHILADELPHIA!