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!

Chicago White Sox at Washington 7:10 ET

White Sox over Nationals- I can’t believe that I actually have posted the Chicago White Sox who I swore off early in the season after having witnessed their play. It was one of the wiser things that I have done this season, but here I am at the well again looking to drink some tainted water. The reason to me is clear here as Washington a full 10-games better than Chicago and yet at home they are an underdog. The difference in the price is because of the starters. For the White Sox it is Mike Clevinger (7-8, 3.61 ERA) and for the Nats it will be Joan Adon (2-2, 5.92) who has surrendered 23 runs in his last six starts in 31 innings. Take the WHITE SOX!

Cincinnati at New York Mets 1:40 ET

Mets over Reds- The Reds remain tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who beat the Chicago Cubs 7-6 in 13 innings on Saturday for the last NL playoff berth. Both teams are 78-72, but Cincinnati has the tiebreaker over Arizona by virtue of a 4-3 win in the season series. The Reds and Diamondbacks are a half-game behind the Chicago Cubs (78-71) and a half-game ahead of the Miami Marlins (77-72) in the playoff race. The Reds will start Brandon Williamson (4-4, 4.47 ERA) is slated to start for the Reds against fellow left-hander Jose Quintana (2-5, 3.05). Williamson returned from the COVID injured list on Tuesday, when he gave up five runs over four innings in the Reds' 6-5, 10-inning win over the Detroit Tigers. He has never opposed the Mets. Take NEW YORK!

Texas at Cleveland 1:40 ET

Watch Dogs over Rangers- The Rangers (82-66) brought a six-game winning streak into this series but lost 12-3 on Friday and then fell on Saturday 2-1. Texas trails the first-place Houston Astros by a half-game in the American League West but holds the second wild-card spot in the league. The Rangers averaged 7.8 runs per game during their six-game winning streak, but their bats have gone mostly quiet against Cleveland, especially in key situations. Cleveland plans to start rookie right-hander Gavin Williams (2-5, 3.43 ERA) while the Rangers have not announced a starter for the series finale. Take CLEVELAND!

Tampa Bay at Baltimore 7:10 ET

Rays over Orioles- The Tampa Bay Rays beat the host Baltimore Orioles for the second straight game on Friday night, and the teams enter their match-up tied atop the division. While the Rays (92-57) have won nine of their past 11 games, the Orioles (91-56) have lost four straight, matching their season high. Saturday, Tampa Bay's Tyler Glasnow (9-5, 3.15 ERA) will oppose rookie right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (5-4, 4.88) in a matchup of right-handers. Glasnow has won his last two starts, allowing a combined five runs over 12 innings and striking out 22 while walking three. Last time out, he permitted four runs on six hits, over six innings during a win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday. He is 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA in two starts vs. the Orioles this season and 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA in eight career starts against Baltimore. Rodriguez has lowered his ERA from 7.33 to 4.88 over his past nine starts, giving up three earned runs or less in each outing. He is 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA over his past three starts. Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in two starts vs. Tampa Bay this season. but it won’t be enough today. take TAMPA BAY!

Texas at Cleveland 6:10 ET

Watch Dogs over Rangers- Cleveland (70-78) had been failing quite a bit, losing eight of 11 games before erupting for 15 hits in the series opener. The Rangers (82-65), who trail the Houston Astros (83-65) by a half-game in the American League West, saw their six-game winning streak come to a screeching halt. Texas, which holds the second AL wild-card spot, mustered only two hits over seven innings against Lucas Giolito, who struck out 12. Home team will start rookie right-hander Tanner Bibee (10-4, 3.03 ERA). Bibee has yielded just two earned runs in each of his past four outings but has just one win to show for it. Rangers right-hander Dane Dunning (10-6, 3.91 ERA) recorded his first win since Aug. 2 and he is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA in three career appearances (all starts) against the former Tribesman.. Take CLEVELAND!

LA Dodgers at Seattle 10:10 ET

Mariners over Dodgers- The Mariners (81-65) entered their day off Thursday a game ahead of Toronto in the race for the American League's third and final wild-card playoff berth. Seattle is also in third place in the AL West, 1 1/2 games behind division-leading Houston and a half-game back of second-place Texas. Dodgers rookie right-hander Bobby Miller (9-3, 3.98 ERA) is scheduled to start the opener against Mariners right-hander George Kirby (10-9, 3.48), with both pitchers facing the opposing team for the first time. Since giving up just three hits over nine innings in a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles, Kirby is 0-1 with a 6.00 over his past four starts. Miller, is coming off a no-decision in the Dodgers' 7-6 loss in 11 innings Saturday at Washington. Miller allowed five runs on six hits over seven innings, with two walks and a career-high eight strikeouts. Take SEATTLE!

Cincinnati at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Reds- New York hosts the Reds in the opener of a three-game series and left-hander David Peterson (3-8, 5.34 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against right-hander Hunter Greene (4-6, 4.43). The Diamondbacks and Reds are both 76-72, while the San Francisco Giants are 75-71. The trio are a half-game ahead of the Miami Marlins (75-72) and 2 1/2 games behind the Chicago Cubs, who visit Arizona in the opener of a three-game series on Friday night. Peterson took the loss on Sept. 9, when he gave up three runs in six innings as the Mets fell 8-4 to the Minnesota Twins. He is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in two career starts covering seven innings against the Reds. Greene returned from the COVID-19 injured list on Sunday, and he earned the win after allowing just an unearned run on one hit over six innings in the Reds' 7-1 victory over the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. He is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts spanning 10 2/3 innings against the Mets. Take the NEW YORK METS!

Tampa Bay at Baltimore 7:00 ET

Rays over Orioles- Tampa Bay and the Baltimore Orioles will meet Friday night in the second game of a four-game series that will figure heavily in who wins the American League East. Tampa Bay (91-57) prevailed 4-3 on Thursday night to pull within one game of first-place Baltimore (91-55). The Rays are as close as they have been to the Orioles since they were one game back on July 22. Tampa Bay has won six of its past seven games. The Orioles have dropped three games in a row for the first time since they snapped a four-game skid on July 2. Right-hander Zach Eflin (14-8, 3.53 ERA), who will start for the Rays on Friday night, blanked the Orioles on two hits for seven innings in a July 21 home victory. He has gone 3-3 with a 3.91 ERA in nine starts since then. Right-hander Jack Flaherty (8-8, 4.98 ERA) heads to the mound for the Orioles. He hasn't registered a victory since winning his Orioles debut on Aug. 3 after arriving in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Only once in his past four outings has he completed five innings. Take TAMPA BAY!

Arizona at New York Mets 4:10 ET

Mets over Diamondbacks- The New York Mets' three-game sweep at Arizona in early July helped send the Diamondbacks into a spiral that nearly ruined their season. Thursday afternoon they face the Mets in the final clash of the season between the teams. Merrill Kelly (11-6, 3.16 ERA) is slated to start for the Diamondbacks against fellow right-hander Kodai Senga (10-7, 3.07). Senga the 30-year-old rookie won his lone start against the Diamondbacks on July 5, when he gave up one run over a season-high eight innings in New York's 2-1 victory. Senga matched his career high with 12 strikeouts in that contest. Kelly  is 1-3 with a 3.81 ERA in four career starts against the Mets. Take the NEW YORK METS!

Miami at Milwaukee 7:40 ET

Marlins over Brewers- This is a tough call as Milwaukee has won 10 of 11 home games while Miami trails Arizona by 1.5 games for the final NL wild-card spot.  Left-hander Braxton Garrett (8-6, 3.82 ERA) will start for the Marlins, while hard-throwing reliever Trevor Megill (1-0, 3.38) will start for the Brewers. The Marlins are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Megill, who routinely hits 100 mph with his fastball, will be making his first major league start after 93 relief appearances. Garrett is 3-3 with a 2.68 ERA over his past eight starts. Garrett has faced the Brewers once in his career, giving up two runs on seven hits in four innings during a no-decision at Milwaukee last September. The Marlins are 19-8 in Garrett's starts this year. Take MIAMI!

Milwaukee at NY Yankees 1:35 ET

Yankees over Brewers- New York Right-hander Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.90 ERA) will start for the Yankees as he attempts to win four straight starts for the second time this year. Since allowing six runs in an 8-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox, Cole is 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA. Cole has given up two runs or less in 22 of his 29 starts and allowed one run on eight hits in six innings of a 5-1 win over the Detroit Tigers Tuesday night. Cole is 4-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 14 career starts against the Brewers. He most recently faced them last Sept. 18 when he allowed four runs on four hits in five innings during New York's 12-8 win. Milwaukee starts Corbin Burnes (9-8, 3.63) will attempt to halt an eight-game winless skid as he makes his first career appearance against the Yankees. Since pitching eight innings of two-hit ball in a win at Philadelphia on July 20, the right-hander is 0-3 with 3.99 ERA. Take NEW YORK!

San Diego at Houston 7:10 ET

Padres over Astros- The Astros (80-62) seized sole possession of first place in the American League West for the first time this season with their dismantling of the Rangers. But Friday the Astros absorbed an 11-2 beating in the opener of a three-game interleague series vs. San Diego. It marked the Astros' sixth consecutive home loss and their 10th over the last 12 games at Minute Maid Park. Right-hander Cristian Javier (9-3, 4.65 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Astros on Saturday while . Right-hander Seth Lugo (6-6, 3.49) is the scheduled starter for the Padres and he is unbeaten in his last five starts with a 1.24 ERA. Take SAN DIEGO!

New York Mets at Minnesota 8:05 ET

Mets over Twins- Minnesota Left-hander Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 5.06 ERA) will make his fifth start for the Twins and will be opposed by right-hander Kodai Senga (10-7, 3.08). Keuchel is coming off a no-decision at Texas on Saturday when he allowed five runs on five hits, including home runs to Adolis Garcia and Sam Huff, over 3 1/3 innings in a game the Twins rallied to win 9-7 in 10 innings. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner is 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA in three career starts against the Mets with all three appearances coming in 2019 when he pitched for the Atlanta Braves. Senga has been one of the few bright spots for an underachieving New York team that went into full rebuild mode at the trade deadline. He received a no-decision in an eventual 2-1 win over Seattle last Friday when he allowed just one run on five hits over seven innings. He walked two and matched his career high with 12 strikeouts. Take the METS!

San Diego at Houston 8:10 ET

Padres over Astros- Rookie right-hander Hunter Brown (10-10, 4.53 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Astros in the series opener. He has alternated wins and losses over his last six appearances (five starts), pitching to a 3-3 record with a 6.31 ERA and .952 opponent OPS. After starting the season 5-1, Brown has lost nine of 14 decisions with a 5.56 ERA plus 15 home runs allowed over 15 starts. Left-hander Blake Snell (12-9, 2.50) has the starting assignment for the Padres on Friday. Snell, a leading candidate for the National League Cy Young Award, paces the NL in ERA, opponent batting average (.191) and opponent OPS (.611), and ranks second in both swing and miss percentage (37.0) and strikeouts (201). However, he also has recorded the most walks (89) and wild pitches (12) in the majors. Snell is 6-1 with a 2.11 ERA over his last eight starts. Snell is 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA over seven career starts against the Astros. In his last appearance against Houston on May 30, 2021, Snell surrendered seven runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts over three innings in a 7-4 road loss. Take SAN DIEGO!

Seattle at Tampa Bay 6:40 ET

Mariners over Rays- Although the team is winning behind George Kirby (10-9, 3.39 ERA) 7-of-8 starts he has not picked up a win since July 25. Seattle had an August that put them back in the AL West race challenging Houston and the fading Rangers. Tampa Bay had lost five straight games when Taj Bradley (5-7, 5.42) before his last outing against Cleveland on Sunday a 6-2 win where he allowed just two runs on three hits in five innings with five base-on-balls. Kirby has the advantage. take SEATTLE!

Baltimore at LA Angels 9:35 ET

Angeles over Orioles- The Angels (64-75) have lost five in a row and eight of their last nine games to fall a season-worst 11 games below .500. Baltimore is 4-2 against the Angels this season, and the Orioles have the best road record in the AL at 45-25. The Angels will counter with hard-luck left-hander Patrick Sandoval (7-11, 4.19). Los Angeles has lost 13 of Sandoval's past 17 starts. Sandoval is 0-1 with a 2.38 ERA in two career starts against the Orioles, striking out 17 over 11 1/3 innings without allowing a homer. He fanned 10 Orioles in 6 1/3 innings in his most recent start against the Orioles. Shohei Ohtani may return to the Angels lineup Wednesday after sitting out due to oblique tightness. Veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson (13-8, 5.15 ERA) who has won three of his last five starts overall, is 3-5 with a 5.94 ERA lifetime against the Angels in 14 career starts. He owns a 1-3 record with a 7.85 ERA in six starts in Anaheim. Take the ANGELS!

Houston at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for the first time in seven weeks when the Texas Rangers face the Houston Astros he is 11-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 19 starts this season. Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (10-9, 3.38 ERA) will be on the mound Tuesday. He had an interesting August while going 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA in six starts. Valdez has struggled against Texas this season, going 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA. For his career, he is 6-5 with a 3.05 ERA in 15 appearances (12 starts). Take TEXAS!

Houston at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for the first time in seven weeks when the Texas Rangers face the Houston Astros he is 11-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 19 starts this season. Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (10-9, 3.38 ERA) will be on the mound Tuesday. He had an interesting August while going 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA in six starts. Valdez has struggled against Texas this season, going 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA. For his career, he is 6-5 with a 3.05 ERA in 15 appearances (12 starts). Take TEXAS!

New York Mets at Washington 7:05 ET

Mets over Nationals- The Mets (63-74) have won three of their past four games while the Nationals (62-76) have a five-game losing streak. That includes dropping the first four games of a nine-game homestand. New York took three of four games from the Nationals at home in late July but the Mets are 4-10 in their past 14 road games. Left-hander Patrick Corbin (9-12, 4.90 ERA) is expected to start for the Nationals. Corbin is 8-10 with a 4.48 ERA in 27 career games (26 starts) against the Mets. The Mets have left-hander Jose Quintana (1-5, 3.26 ERA) lined up as their starting pitcher and the Mets are 1-7 when Quintana starts. Tonight things change. Take NEW YORK!

Philadelphia at San Diego 6:40 ET

Padres over Phillies- San Diego who was expected to battle with the Dodgers for the NL West title this year have won their last three games all against the Giants and could win four straight for the first time this season. The Padres will send struggling Rich Hill (7-13, 5.26 ERA) to the mound and he is 2-2 with a 3,54 ERA in 10 appearances against the Phillies. Philadelphia who has a 5.5-game lead for the Wild Card berth and they will start Taijuan Walker (14-5, 4.05) who he has struggled as well of late as batters have hit .267 against him in his last four starts. Play the hot hand...take SAN DIEGO!

Houston at Texas 4:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- Did Texas get off the snide with their ninth inning victory over the Twins Sunday...it was just their fourth win in the past two weeks. Houston comes limping into Arlington having just been throttled by the Baby Bombers from New York getting swept three straight at home. The Rangers will start Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.16 ERA) and he has won his last four decisions and in unbeaten in nine straight starts. JP France (9-5, 3.51) gets the nod for Houston and just defeated Boston on Tuesday after having surrendered 10 earned runs the previous start against the on Thursday. Take TEXAS!

San Francisco at Chicago Cubs 2:20 ET

Giants over Cubs- Chicago scored 17 runs yesterday in routing the Reds in Cincinnati, they had 18 hits and the first eight batter in their line-up raised their batting average. San Francisco has won six of the last 10 meetings but the Cubs are 2-1 this season taking the series at SF the second week of June. Logan Webb (9-11, 3.49 ERA) will take the ball for the Giants and he is looking for his first win in six starts with his last coming on August 2nd. Chicago will start their season’s best in Justin Steele (15-3, 2.69) who threw six shutout innings against the Brewers on Tuesday and has the lead for NL Cy Young. But, when eight guys improve their average on the same day I expect them to fall of a bit and what a perfect spot as they will be over-confident with Steele on the mound...I would be! Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers 4:10 ET

Dodgers over Braves- The NL’s best go at it once again in Los Angeles where the Dodgers will send their future to the mound in 24 year old Bobby Miller (8-3, 4.00 ERA) against Atlanta’s soon to be 40-year old Charlie Morton (14-10, 3.29) who has allowed only one run in his last four start after gibing up 16 runs in his four previous starts. I believe that ‘youth must be served’. Take the DODGERS!

Baltimore at Arizona 4:00 ET

Diamondbacks over Orioles- The Orioles picked up a struggling Jack Flaherty (1-2, 6.41 ERA) at the trade deadline and he promptly shut down Toronto for his first Baltimore victory. Three starts later he still has that one win but has been tagged with three losses surrendering 13 runs in 13 innings. Arizona is getting back on track and will be sending Zac Gallen (16-6, 3.32) to the hill and he had won three straight before getting racked by the Dodgers last time out. Look for a rebound performance and for the D’backs to get the best of Flaherty. Take ARIZONA!

Minnesota at Texas 2:35 ET

Rangers over Twins- Both of these clubs need every win that they can get as Division and Wild Card berths are at stake. Texas has been reeling for two weeks winning only three times in that period while Minnesota has been playing break-even ball during the same span. The twins will start Kenta Maeda (3-7, 4.69 ERA) who has lost 3-of-4 with the win a game he surrendered six earned runs. Texas will send out Jon Gray (8-7, 3.79) who posted one of three Rangers three victories in the past two weeks and he’s ready for another win. Take TEXAS!

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Cubs over Reds- The Cubs (72-63) as they have won 10 of their past 14 games after splitting a doubleheader with the Reds on Friday. Chicago Right-hander Javier Assad has established himself as one of the most reliable arms on the Chicago Cubs' pitching staff. Assad (3-2, 2.96 ERA) has been lights out, going 3-0 with a 1.58 ERA over his past 14 appearances, including five starts. Assad is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against Cincinnati. Take the CUBS!

Pittsburgh at St. Louis 8:15 ET

Cardinals over Pirates- Pittsburgh starting pitcher Mitch Keller (11-8, 4.01 ERA) who has made a turn-around of late. After the All-star game he went 0-4 with a 9.97 ERA but in his last three starts he is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.35. Keller is 2-1 with a 3.51 ERA lifetime against the Cardinals. St. Louis will counter with Dakota Hudson (5-1, 4.41) who is 2-1 lifetime against the Pirates. Take ST. LOUIS!

 Philadelphia at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Phillies over Brewers- August was a big month for the Phillies as they went 17-10 and moved into the top Wild card spot ahead of the Chicago Cubs. Philadelphia set a franchise record of 59 home runs for the month the third most by any team since 1904. Milwaukee has lost two straight after a nine-game win streak and will send Freddy Peralta (11-8, 3.95 ERA) to the mound and he was 5-0 with a 2.10 ERA the past month but is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA in five appearances. The Whiz Kids will send out Zack Wheeler (10-6, 3.59) to the hill and he is 3-2 with a 2.47 ERA in eight career starts against the Brewers. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Minnesota at Texas 8:05 ET

Twins over Rangers- This should shape up as one of the better pitching match-ups as Texas will send trade deadline acquisition Max Scherzer (12-5, 3.71 ERA) to the hill and he has been great against the Twins going 9-2 with a 4.32 ERA in 17 career starts. Minnesota will send out their best in Joe Ryan (9-8, 4.33) who in two starts against Texas has an ERA of 2.38. Take MINNESOTA!

Texas at New York Mets 6:40 ET

Mets over Rangers- Texas’ Dane Dunning (9-6, 3.36 ERA) is slated to start for the Rangers against fellow right-hander Denyi Reyes (0-2, 7.50). The Rangers spent 111 consecutive days in first place before Sunday, when Seattle moved ahead of them in the West. New York has lost six of seven games and the Rangers had lost nine of 10 before taking the first two of this 3-game set in New York. Today the Mets rise. Take NEW YORK!

Tampa Bay at Miami 6:40 ET

Marlins over Rays- The Marlins will start left-hander Jesus Luzardo, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 22 as the team is trying to rest him whenever possible. Luzardo (9-8, 3.77 ERA), in his fifth MLB season, already has set career highs for wins, games (26) and innings pitched (143 1/3). As for skipping a start and getting extra rest, Luzardo has pitched with at least six days of rest 14 times, going 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA. That's almost identical to his career ERA of 4.30. Luzardo, though, has never beaten the Rays, going 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA. The Rays will try to slow down Chisholm with starting pitcher Zach Eflin, a right-hander. Eflin (13-8, 3.55) leads the Rays in wins, starts (25) and innings pitched (144 1/3). His 13 wins are a career high, and that figure also is tied for the lead in the American League. For his career against the Marlins, Eflin is 5-8 with a 5.24 ERA in 17 games, including 16 starts. In nine career games in Miami, including eight starts, Eflin is 1-5 with a 6.43 ERA. Take MIAMI!

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs 2:20 ET

Cubs over Brewers- The Cubs have lost five of the last six outings by scheduled starter Kyle Hendricks (5-7, 3.80 ERA). Hendricks is 10-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 32 starts versus Milwaukee. His lone 2023 appearance against the Brewers was a good one, allowing one earned and four hits during a 7-6, 11-inning Chicago victory on July 4. The Cubs haven't lost a home series since dropping two of three versus and are the Cubs are 27-12 since July 18 and own one of the NL's three wild-card spots. The Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff is pitching well (3-1, 2.65 ERA ) and he is 2-2 with a solid 3.14 ERA in 15 career starts versus Chicago but today is not his day. Take the CUBS!

San Diego at St. Louis 7:45 ET

Cardinals over Padres- San Diego Padres have experienced setback after setback to their pitching staff, with Yu Darvish's relegation to the 15-day injured list the latest blow right-hander Seth Lugo (5-6, 3.70 ERA) remains one of the bright spots. He will face the host St. Louis Cardinals tonight and he is 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA in 10 career appearances against St. Louis, including two starts. The Cardinals have lost 10 of their past 12 games. They have dropped their past four games by the combined scored of 26-4. They will counter on Tuesday Lugo with left-hander Zack Thompson (3-5, 3.86 ERA) and this will be his first appearance against the Padres. Take ST. LOUIS!

Texas at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Rangers- Texas' Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.34 ERA) is slated to start against Jose Quintana (1-5, 3.73) in a battle of left-handers. The Rangers opened August on a 12-2 run before going on a 1-9 skid ahead of their arrival in New York. The Mets have scored three runs or less in each of the past six games, a span in which it is 1-5. Quintana took a defeat on Wednesday after giving up five runs over 5 1/3 innings in the Mets' 7-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves. He is 2-2 with a 3.81 ERA in 10 games (eight starts) against the Rangers and gets his second win tonight. Take the M-E-T-S!

Tampa Bay at Miami 6:40 ET

Marlins over Rays- The Rays, closing in on their fifth straight playoff berth, are set to start right-hander Aaron Civale (6-3, 2.59 ERA) on Tuesday. The Rays acquired Civale on July 31 from the Cleveland Guardians, and in four starts with Tampa Bay he is 1-1 with a 3.54 ERA. Civale, who has never faced the Marlins, has been better on the road with a 3.54 ERA in 43 career starts than at home where he has a 4.01 mark in 37 starts. Miami will counter with right-hander Sandy Alcantara (6-11, 4.16 ERA), who won the National League's 2022 Cy Young Award with a 2.28 ERA and MLB highs in complete games (six) and innings (228 2/3). Alcantara has failed to match his high standard, but July (3.31 ERA) and August (3.03) have been the best months of his season. In five career starts against the Rays, Alcantara is 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA, he is also a strong pitcher at home, sporting a 2.92 career mark in 69 games. On the road, he has a 3.70 ERA in 75 games. This year, Alcantara's ERA is a full run better at home (3.61) than on the road (4.61). Take MIAMI!

Cincinnati at San Francisco 9:45 ET

Giants over Reds- Two teams struggling to keep pace in the National League wild-card race will send rookie left-handers to the mound. The Reds are coming off three losses in four games in Arizona, while the Giants have lost seven consecutive series. Reds rookie Andrew Abbott (8-3, 3.16 ERA), will start tonight's game and had the best outing of his 15-game big-league career in the series finale, a 5-1 win, shutting out the Giants on one hit over a season-best eight innings. San Francisco will counter Abbott with its prized rookie, Kyle Harrison (0-0, 5.40), who made his major-league debut last Tuesday in Philadelphia, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings in an eventual 4-3 loss. He did not get a decision after striking out five. Tonight he wins his first MLB game. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs 8:05 ET

Cubs over Brewers- The National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers are the hottest team in baseball on the strength of an eight-game winning streak. Since July 18, Chicago is 26-11 -- third-best record over that span -- to sit among the NL wild-card leaders. After taking three of four at Pittsburgh, the Cubs are 10-1-1 in their last 12 series. Chicago is still four games behind Milwaukee, which has won 12 of the last 15. After being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game set from Aug. 15-16, the Brewers took all three at Texas, two versus Minnesota and three more from San Diego. The Brewers are 4-3 against the Cubs in 2023, and took two of three at Wrigley Field to open the season. The Cubs, though, are amid a 13-5 stretch at home. Starter Jameson Taillon (7-8, 5.60 ERA),  is 2-1 with a 3.22 ERA in his last four home starts. Milwaukee starter Wade Miley (6-3, 3.18) allowed two runs and five hits over 10 innings in his first two starts after coming off the injured list from an elbow issue on Aug. 2. However, the left-hander has yielded three earned runs through five innings in each of his last two games. Take CUBS!

Houston at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Astros- Houston's Cristian Javier (9-2, 4.52 ERA) will make his second straight start against the Red Sox after taking the ball last Monday and working five, three-run innings. The right-hander tied his season high of 105 pitches in that outing. Javier will face Boston for the fifth time in his career (third start). He is 1-1 with a 3.50 ERA in the previous meetings. Despite homering in 16 consecutive games, the Red Sox have lost four of their last seven after losing two of three to the Dodgers this past weekend after the series in Houston. Thursday's final game of the Astros series was a 17-1 Boston win. Boston left-hander Chris Sale (5-3, 4.68) will make his fourth start since returning from the 60-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. The Red Sox are 10-4 in Sale's starts this season and 5-1 in his last six after he retired the last nine batters he faced in a no-decision in Houston last Wednesday. He allowed four runs on six hits but struck out nine over five innings.  Take BOSTON

Atlanta at San Francisco 7:10 ET

Giants over Braves- The final matchup of the regular season between the clubs is expected to turn into a run of the San Francisco bullpen, with Tristan Beck (3-2, 3.34 ERA) up first. The Giants used four relievers after opener Ryan Walker in Saturday's 7-3 loss. Right-hander Jared Shuster (4-2, 5.00), recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett earlier in the week, is the scheduled starter for the Braves. Atlanta's win Saturday made it two straight over the Giants in San Francisco and four of five going back to its 2-1 series win at home last week. SF is 5-14 in their last 19 games while the Braves have won four in-a-row. But, Sunday night brings a different mindset. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Cincinnati at Arizona 8:10 ET

Diamondbacks over Reds- The Arizona Diamondbacks matched a season high with their sixth straight win on Friday as Arizona has won 11 of its past 13 to move a half-game ahead of the Chicago Cubs for the second National League wild-card spot. Cincinnati has lost two straight following a three-game winning streak and sits one game back of the third and final wild-card berth. Cincinnati will have right-hander Fernando Cruz (1-1, 4.30 ERA) start In a pair of games against Arizona in July, Cruz gave up a combined three runs in two innings for an ERA of 13.50. Those are the only times he has faced the Diamondbacks. Right-hander Zach Davies (1-5, 7.38) will return from the injured list (lower back inflammation) to start for Arizona. He is making his first start since July 18, when he allowed nine runs over 3 2/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves. Take ARIZONA!

Cincinnati ar Arizona 9:40 ET

Diamondbacks over Reds- Arizona, which has won five straight and 10 of 12, holds a half-game lead over Cincinnati and the San Francisco Giants for the third and final National League wild-card spot. Hunter Greene (2-5, 4.72 ERA) is set to make his second start since returning from the injured list when the Reds continue their four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. The Reds hope Greene pitches better than he did on Sunday, when he gave up career highs of nine runs and 10 hits -- including five home runs -- in a 10-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. He lasted just three-plus innings but he won’t. The Diamondbacks will counter on Friday with right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (0-6, 6.13 ERA), who turned in the best outing of his young career last Friday against the San Diego Padres. The rookie allowed one hit over seven shutout innings while throwing a career-high 107 pitches. He struck out five and walked three. Take ARIZONA!

San Diego at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Padres over Brewers- Milwaukee has matched their longest winning streak of the season at five and will send Brandon Woodruff (2-1. 2.85 ERA) who has had made three starts since coming off the IL and in his last outing was banged around a bit by Texas. He will be opposed by the Padres Yu Darvish (8-9 4.35) who is 2-4 lifetime against Milwaukee but with an outstanding 2.09 ERA in nine career starts against the Brewers. With the price where it is I expect a Padres surprise. Take SAN DIEGO!

Toronto at Baltimore 7:05 ET

Blue Jays over Orioles- The fact that the Orioles are such small favorites has me believing that Toronto is the side here. The Blue Jays are starting Jose Berrios (9-8, 3.39 ERA) and he is 10-0 with a 2.66 ERA in 13 career starts against the Orioles. He gets the nod over Baltimore starter Kyle Gibson 12-7, 4.97) who is 1-1 with an11.32 ERA in his late two starts. Blue Jays have won three of four and are in greater need. Take TORONTO!

Texas at Minnesota 7:10 ET

Twins over Rangers- Texas who had a five-game lead in early July the AL West are now in a fierce battle with Houston and Seattle for the top spot and are in a current six-game losing streak. The Rangers who has been the MLB leader in runs scored have hit just .195 during their down swing. Texas will send out Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.27 ERA) and th lefty is 4-0 with a 3.09 ERA in his last seven starts. The Twins will start Pablo Lopez (9-6, 3.51) and he is 4-0 with a 0.95 ERA in his last four starts and currently has gone 10 scoreless innings. Take MINNESOTA.

Toronto at Baltimore 7:05 ET

Blue Jays over Orioles- The fact that the Blue Jays are favored has me believing that Toronto is the side here. They are starting Kevin Gausman (9-7, 3.24 ERA) and he gets the nod over Baltimore starter jack Flaherty (8-8, 4.73) who is 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA with the Orioles. Blue Jays have won their last three and are in greater need. Take TORONTO!

San Francisco at Philadelphia 4:05 ET

Giants over Phillies- To start with Philadelphia is in the first NL playoff spot and have a four-game lead over the Giants. The Phillies are starting Michael Lorenzen (7-8, 3.57 ERA) an he is 0-1 with an 8.22 ERA in eight career appearances. In his first start after his no-hitter he surrendered seven runs in 3.1 innings against Washington. San Francisco will send Alex Cobb (6-5, 3.75) to the mound and he is 1-1 with a 2.82 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies. The Giants are 9-3 in their last 12 meetings with the Phillies. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Texas at Arizona 9:40 ET

Diamondbacks over Rangers- The Diamondbacks scored three runs with two outs in the 11th inning to defeat the Texas Rangers 4-3, setting themselves up for a possible two-game sweep on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Arizona goes for the two-game sweep on Tuesday with its ace, Zac Gallen, getting the start. Gallen (13-5, 3.17 ERA) won each of his past two starts, both against the Padres. In his latest start, Gallen yielded one run on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts over six-plus innings in a 3-1 win at San Diego on Thursday. Gallen has faced the Rangers before in two starts, the All-Star is 0-1 with a 4.63 ERA. He got a no-decision at Texas on May 2 after giving up three runs in five innings. The Rangers, who have lost a season-high five straight, will go with right-hander Jon Gray (8-6, 3.52) on Tuesday. Gray is no stranger to facing the Diamondbacks, against whom he is 5-7 with a 5.66 ERA in 19 career starts. Like Gallen, he got a no-decision in the May 2 game, when he gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings. This time Gallen gets the win. Take ARIZONA!

Cincinnati at LA Angels 9:30 ET

Angels over Reds- The Angels should be ready to play having taken extra rest by laying down in the second game of their double-header Saturday losing to Tampa Bay 18-4 after winning the opener 7-6. Cincinnati dropped the final two home games of their three game set against Toronto. The Reds will send rookie Graham Ashcraft (6-8, 4.89 ERA) to the hill and he has pitched well of late with little results going 0-1 with a 2.68 ERA in his most recent starts in August. LA will start Lucas Giolito who 1-3 with an 8.24 ERA giving up 19 runs in 21 innings since come over at the trade deadline from the White Sox. This time around Giolito gets it done. Take ANGELS!

Minnesota at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Twins over Brewers- Baseball’s American and National League Central Division leaders clash in Milwaukee as the NL Brewers return home after a 3-game sweep at Texas to host the AL leader Minnesota. Veteran left-hander Wade Miley (6-3, 3.05 ERA) gets the nod for Milwaukee, opposed by right-hander Bailey Ober (6-6, 3.40). Miley will be making his fourth start since coming off the injured list on Aug. 2 (left elbow discomfort). He is 0-1 in August, despite a 3.00 ERA over those three starts. In his last start, Miley took the loss in a 7-1 defeat to the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in five innings. Miley is 1-0 with a 4.18 ERA in five career games, including four starts, against Minnesota. Ober is 0-2 in five starts since his last victory on July 18. He has pitched five innings or fewer in his last four starts, after going six or more innings in seven consecutive outings. Still it’s MINNESOTA!

Toronto at Cincinnati 1:40 ET

Reds over Blue Jays- These two clubs have split one-run victories and is will be the series rubber match. Toronto won yesterday’s meeting 4-3 and will send Hyun Jin Ryu (1-1, 2.57 ERA) out to pitch and the Reds will send out Hunter Greene (2-4, 3.93)

who will activated from the 60-day IL. This is the final home game for the Reds as the start a 10-game road trip after Sunday and they need this one badly. Take CINCINNATI!

San Francisco at Atlanta 7:20 ET

Giants over Braves- The way these two teams have been playing with Atlanta lading the Majors in win percentage and the Giants struggling of late this line seems way out of whack. After all San Francisco is 2-7 in their last nine games and 1-11 in their last 12 on the road and add that Atlanta is 6-0 in their last six at home. Pitching is the key here as Logan Webb (9-9, 3.26 ERA) has the advantage over Braves starter Yonnie Chirinos (5-5, 5.22) who came over from Tampa Bay. Webb is 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA in four career starts against Atlanta. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Milwaukee at Texas 4:05 ET

Brewers over Rangers- After having won 12 of 14 Texas has dropped their last two contests including last night’s 9-8 loss to the Brewers. Milwaukee is 6-4 in their last 10 games will send Freddy Peralta (9-8, 4.08 ERA) to the mound and he is 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA in the month of August. The Rangers will send Dane Dunning ( 9-4, 3.10) out against the Brewers and he is 1-0 with a 2.18 ERA in August. But off last night’s win the Brewers do it again. Take MILWAUKEE!

Milwaukee at Texas 8:05 ET

Brewers over Rangers- Milwaukee’s Brandon Woodruff (2-1, 1.99 ERA) came off the 60-day IL on Aug. 6 and limited the Pittsburgh Pirates to two runs and four hits in five innings, striking out nine without a walk. However, he took a 4-1 defeat. He was sidelined for nearly four months earlier this season with shoulder inflammation, but he appears to be rounding into form as Milwaukee tries to hold on to first place in the NL Central. Texas will try to get back to its winning ways behind Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.17 ERA). The left-hander is looking to bounce back after being lifted in the second inning of his Saturday outing against the San Francisco Giants. Maybe he lasts longer this time out but it will not matter. Take MILWAUKEE!

Milwaukee at LA Dodgers 10:10 ET

Brewers over Dodgers- Sooner or later the Dodgers are going to come back to the rest of the NL West but most likely not for a couple of decades. But, that doesn’t mean that they will go undefeated either,. What is need is a great pitching performance against the and Milwaukee has just the guy in Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burners ( 9-6, 3.60 ERA) who has been outstanding this season allowing just 104 hits in 145 innings with 150 strikeouts. LA will start Lance Lynn (6-9, 6.47 w White Sox) and he is 3-0 in three starts for the Dodgers with a 2.00 ERA with 22 K’s in 18 innings. He bubble burst here today. Take MILWAUKEE!

New York Mets at St. Louis 7:15 ET

Cardinals over Mets- The Yankees kept telling Luis Severino that his last start was his last chance to save his spot in the rotation and they keep starting him. But, the Cardinals have promised Adam Wainwright (3-7, 8.78 ERA) this last opportunity to start on his farewell tour. He has been a career worse each time he steps to the mound to pitch and has surrendered 15 runs on 18 hits while retiring just 12 batters in his last two starts. But, hey this is the Mets and the Red Birds are not yet the dead birds as they have won five of their last seven games. New York’s starter Jose Quintana (0-4, 3.03) has pitched well enough to win but not good enough for these guys. Take ST. LOUIS!

Houston at Miami 6:40 ET

Marlins over Astros- Houston’s newest acquisition Justin Verlander (7-6, 3.19 ERA) will make his third start since coming back to the Astros having split a pair of decisions losing his first start to the Yankees and setting down to defeat the Angels. Miami will send my main man Jesus Luzardo (8-7, 3.91) and the Marlins are 15-9 when he starts and Verlander is 2-3 in eight road starts. Take MIAMI!

Houston at Miami 6:40 ET

Marlins over Astros- Miami lost their first eight games after the All-Star break when they had the second best record in the NL. With their victory last night Miami has now has won three straight the first time since July 5th and they will send Johnny Cueto (0-3, 5.33 ERA) to the mound to face Houston’s Cristian (No-hit) Javier (8-2, 4.36). The Astros are 15-7 in Javier’s starts while the Marlins are just 1-5 in Cueto’s starts even though he has pitched into the seventh inning in three of his last four starts. Take MIAMI!

Baltimore at San Diego 9:30 ET

Padres over Orioles- Baltimore now has the second best record in baseball behind the NL’s Braves. They have not been swept in 77 straight series and the Padres who are six games under .500 are off a 1-4 road trip. The Orioles will send out Grayson Rodriguez (2-3, 5.84 ERA) to the hill and this is his first time against San Diego. The Padres send veteran Yu Darvish (8-8, 4.19) out to quiet the O’s bats. Take SAN DIEGO!

Minnesota at Philadelphia1:35 ET

Twins over Phillies- Minnesota got their much needed Megabucks win yesterday after four straight losses and still lead the AL Central by 4.5 games over Cleveland despite being shutout twice in the previous three days. Philadelphia was 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position yesterday and will send Ranger Suarez (25, 3.96 ERA) to the mound and this will be his first ever start against the Twins. Sonny Gray (5-5, 3.18) gets the nod for the Twins and he is 0-1 lifetime against the Phillies. Phils home run streak ended Saturday and today they lose their second straight. Take MINNESOTA!

Texas at San Francisco 10:10 ET

Giants over Rangers- Bruce Bochy the former Giants manager returned to San Francisco for the first time after 13 years and made all the right moves in Friday’s 2-1 win. Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.14 ERA) gets the nod for Texas and hasn’t allowed a run in his last two starts against the White Sox and Marlins. The Giants will send Alex Cobb ( 6-3, 3.30) to the hill and he is win-less in his last two starts. Expect a reversal here...Take SAN FRANCISCO!

San Diego at Arizona 9:00 ET

Padres over Diamondbacks- Veteran left-hander Rich Hill (7-11, 4.88 ERA) will make is second start for San Diego and he was racked by the Dodgers in his first start with the Padres for six runs in three innings. Hill is in his 18th season and he has started games for 16 different teams repeating time with Red Sox thrice. Arizona who is 7-25 since the All-Star break will send Zac Gallen (11-5, 3.37 ERA) to the bump and he is 2-3 with a 3.70 ERA in 10 career starts against the Padres. The D’backs have scored five runs just once in their last 13 games. Take SAN DIEGO!

Minnesota at Philadelphia 6:05 ET

Twins over Phillies- Philadelphia is a season high 13-games over .500 and hold the top wild card spot an actual improvement over last year. They will send Taijuan Walker (13-4, 3.98 ERA) who was banged around by Kansas City last time out on Sunday. His mound opponent will be Pablo Lopez (7-6, 3.81) and he is rounding into pitching shape as he shutout the Tigers for seven innings last time out allowing fie hits with eight K’s and no walks. Lopez is 2-1 in his last four starts with a 1.80 ERA and only three bases-on-balls. He is also 3-1 lifetime against the Phillies. Take MINNESOTA!

Texas at San Francisco 10:10 ET

Giants over Rangers- Texas has been hanging tough in the AL West maintaining a 3-game lead over Houston and will be sending Jon Gray (7-5, 3.72 ERA) to the mound and he is in the middle of drought that started on June 2nd where he shutout Seattle for seven innings allowing only two hits. That was nine starts ago and he is 0-4 and was pounded by Houston his last time out for six runs and seven hits. The Giants who have won seven of the last nine meetings will start Scott Alexander who will only go one inning. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Baltimore at Seattle 10:10 ET

Mariners over Orioles- Past their bed time the Orioles will be starting this game a bit late for their biological clock as they played on the East coast yesterday against the Astros. Somewhere around 9:00 local time Baltimore’s energy should drop quickly. Seattle is sending Luis Castillo (7-7, 3.21ERA) to the hill and he is 3-1 in his last four decisions even after getting bombed for seven runs against the Angels last time out. With 155 strikeouts in 137 innings and allowing only 110 hits he has been more dominate than his record shows. Kyle Gibson (11-6, 4.50) starts for the O’s and his luck runs out here. take SEATTLE!

Oakland at Washington 7:05 ET

A’s over Nationals- This has got to be a first time this the season. That is Oakland being favored on the road at anytime. Washington who is probably the wort of all teams in the National League will start Joan Adon (1-0, 4.91 ERA) who turns 25-years old tomorrow and gets beat tonight. He was 1-12 with a 7.10 ERA in 14 starts in 2022 and I don’t believe that he has changed his spots. The A’s start Paul Blackburn (2-2, 4.35) who has great red hair and beard has allowed only three runs in his last three starts. Take OAKLAND!

Toronto at Cleveland 1:10 ET

Blue Jays over Watch Dogs- Reversal of Fortune as Claus Von Bulow would say is fair play and Alek Manoah ( 3-8, 5.72 ERA) had a horrid start to the season and it was so bad that Toronto sent him back down to A-ball ti get right. Well, it worked, coming off 16-7 and 9-2 seasons Manoha was expected to be a fore running for the AL Cy Young Award. The Blue Jays have won his last three starts and four-of five upon his return. Take TORONTO!

Minnesota at Detroit 1:10 ET

Twins over Tigers- Okay after playing the fool the last two games of this series Minnesota is ready to stand up and re-establish their authority as the AL central Division leaders. They will do that by raking the tigers starter Reece Olson (1-5, 4.94 ERA) who’s last win eight starts ago on June 24 came over the Twins. Poor Detroit as they have lost each of his last seven starts. Now, for the good guys, Kenta Maeda (3=6, 4.22) looks to pick up the win posting 72 K’s in 59 innings with 53 hits surrendering just six runs his last four starts. Take MINNESOTA!

Houston at Baltimore 12:35 ET

Astros over Orioles- I am afraid for the Orioles that Houston is looking to send a message and with  a win here today it will be understood who the MLB World Series Champions are...After taking his second break of the year Jose Altuve has returned to action ready for bear (he started the season on the IL and missed over a month)  and it rubs off on his teammates. Baltimore’s Dean Kremer (10-4, 4.61 ERA) is one of the winningest pitchers in baseball and has been doing it with mirrors and the glass is about to crack. He has no wins in his last four starts and has surrendered 11 runs in 20 innings with 15 K’s and 12 walks. The ‘Stros will send out the quickly maturing Hunter Brown (8-7, 4.07) has picked up wins in his last two starts and has 130 strikeouts in just 115 innings. Take HOUSTON!

LA Dodgers at Arizona 9:45 ET

Diamondbacks over Dodgers- Well, you don’t think that the Dodgers are going to win forever or that Arizona would just lose every game left. I know it sort of seems that way but bother sides will come back to center and hopefully it starts here. LA’s Bobby Miller (6-2, 4.26 ERA) has been hit at times but the Dodgers have bailed him out on occasion but he can strike you out anytime. D’Backs counter with Merrill Kelly (9-5, 3.21) who has not won since before the All-Star break until tonight! Take ARIZONA!

Chicago Cubs at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Cubs - Much to the Cubs dismay Pete Alonso has gone hot at a really bad time for Chicago as they were starting to close the gap between them and the wild card. They will start veteran Kyle Hendricks (4-6, 4.09 ERA) and he has struggled of late giving up 13 earned runs in his last three starts including seven to the Braves in just four innings. The Mets are ready to play the Cubs after six straight road losses. Take the NEW YORK METS!

Miami at Cincinnati 12:35 ET

Marlins over Reds- I hate when this happens when I like a game strongly but the timing is bad for the player and players. Miami came through i a big way yesterday winning out Megabucks prize and I could rate them almost as high today except for the morning start. Johnny (why do I always feel like I’m spelling that wrong) Cueto (0-3, 5.32 ERA) hasn’t given up many hits (only 15) but the ones he has surrendered have gone the distance one out of every three times in 22 innings. Grapham Ashcrat (6-7, 5.18) gets the nod for Cincinnati and he has had flashes of excellence but has yet to develop consistency. Take MIAMI!

Houston at Baltimore 7:05 ET

Astros over Orioles- The AL’s two top teams square off in Baltimore where the first place Orioles who have a 21-7 record in their last 28 games. Houston who are the defending champions will send Grayson Rodriguez (2-3, 6.09 ERA) to the hill and although he has more strikeouts than innings pitched he has also surrendered more hits than innings. Houston will counter with Framber Valdez (9-7, 3.07) who has found his groove and threw a no-hitter against Cleveland last time out. Take HOUSTON!

Miami at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Marlins over Reds- Miami who had the second best record in the NL at the All-star break and now find themselves out of the playoff pitcher trailing by 1.5-games. The Marlins have lost five straight and are 5-17 since the break and 1-14 in their last 15 road games. So why are they favored on the road here? They are because Braxton Garrett (5-3, 4.14 ERA) who is win-less in his last four starts and is 0-2 lifetime against the Reds. So why Miami, well mostly because Luke Weaver (2-4, 6.98) is getting the start for Cincinnati and he is just terrible. Take MIAMI!

Minnesota at Detroit 6:40 ET

Tigers over Twins- Minnesota’s Sonny Gray (5-4, 3.18 ERA) won four of his first five starts and then went 15 starts without a victory until his last time out winning a decision against St. Louis (which shouldn’t even count). Detroit will send Eduardo Rodriguez (7-5, 2.96) to the mound and he has won three of his last four decisions and 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA in eight starts against the twins. Take DETROIT!

Chicago Cubs at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Cubs- The surging Cubs have moved to within 1.5-games of the wild card and will be playing one of their division nemesis as the reeling Mets who have lost six straight since the trade deadline. New York will start their most consistent  hurler in 30-year old rookie Kodai Senga (7-6, 3.25 ERA) who was hit hard last time out and was handed his first loss since June 30. Drew Smyly (8-7, 4.71 ERA) gets the nod for the Cubbies but he is just 1-3 with an ERA of 8.40 in his last seven starts. Take NEW YORK METS!

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Miami at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Marlins over Reds- At first sight I am trying to figure how a team that has lost four straight, six of seven and 16 of their last 20 since the All-Star break. They had the second best record in the NL at the break and are now a half game out of thee wild card berth. Now, looking at what Cincinnati is doing we can see why the Marlins may be favored. The Reds have lost six straight for the third time this season and will start lefty Brandon Williamson (3-2. 4.85 ERA) who was called up from Triple-A for the second time this year. Rookie Eury Perez (5-3, 2.36) called up from Double-A  and he is favored on road. Take MIAMI!

LA Dodgers at San Diego 4:10 ET

Padres over Dodgers- San Diego has failed twice this weekend when they had chances to reach the .500 mark for the first time this season now they come up favored over LA as Seth Lugo ( 4-5, 3.54 ERA) takes the hill and a struggling Tony Gonsolin (6-4, 4.11) for the Dodgers. In six starts against the Padres he is 5-0 with a 1.25 ERA and yet he is an underdogs here. Lugo is 1-2 with a 3.04 ERA in his last eight starts but is 2-1 with a 324 ERA lifetime against the Dodgers. Take SAN DIEGO!

Arizona at Minnesota 2:20 ET

Diamondbacks over Twins- Eight years ago Dallas Keuchel was the American League Cy Young Award winner and this season he was at Triple-A St. Paul after being released by three different teams in 2022. Today he starts for Minnesota and he is 3-3 with a 3.86 ERA in seven career starts against Arizona who have lost 21 of their last 28 games. Zac Gallen (11-5, 3.41) gets the nod for the Diamondbacks and in his lone start against the Twins he is 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA and is just 2-4 with a 4.93 ERA on the road the season. Take MINNESOTA!   

Seattle at LA Angels 4:07 ET

Angels over Mariners- A pair of contenders going at it with the Mariners having won four in-a-row and nine of their last 11 while Angels have dropped five straight and are fading fast. In this series finale Seattle’s Bryce Miller (7-4, 4.35 ERA) will make his first career start against Los Angeles while Chase Silseth (3-1, 3.99) will also be making his first career start against the Mariners. In a surprise the Angels rise and capture the win here. Take LA ANGELS!

Houston at New York Yankees 1:10 ET

Yankees over Astros- ‘Break up the Yankees’...that was the mantra for the New York Yankees in their heyday back in the ‘50’s when the made nine appearances in the World Series 11 years. Having won three of four and will start Carlos Rodon (1-4, 6.29 ERA) and he is 2-0 with a 1.55 ERA in seven career starts. Houston will start Jose Urquidy (2-2, 2.50) who will be making his first start since April 30 and had allowed 12 runs in his last two starts. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Seattle at LA Angels 9:05 ET

Mariners over Angels- This is a huge series for both clubs as they vie for the final AL playoff spot and the Mariners drew first blood by winning in Megabucks style in the opener of a four game series 9-7. Seattle will start All-Star George Kirby (9-8, 3.43 ERA) who is just 2-3 with a 3.86 ERA in five career starts against the Angels. Los Angeles will send Tyler Anderson (5-2, 4.98) and he is 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four starts against the Mariners. The beat goes on...Take SEATTLE!

Toronto at Boston 4:10 ET

Red Sox over Blue Jays- Boston had won seven straight in this series until the Blue jays explosion yesterday posting a 7-3 win at Fenway Park. Today, Toronto will start Jose Berrios (8-7, 3.31 ERA) who has had nothing but troubles when facing the Red Sox going 1-6 with a 4.31 ERA in 12 career starts. Boston will counter with John Schreiber (1-1, 3.74) who most likely will be removed in short order as the Sawx will rely on their bullpen. Take BOSTON!

LA Dodges at San Diego 10:00 ET

Padres over Dodgers- If San Diego is to make a move toward the playoffs they need to reach .500 first and there will be no better way than to start by beating the first place Dodgers. LA would has become pitcher thin will start rookie Bobby Miller (6-2, 4.37 ERA) and he fell to the Reds 6-5 last time out. San Diego will start Yu Darvish (8-7, 4.53) has won three of his last four starts and gets the win here. Take SAN DIEGO!

Seattle at LA Angels

Mariners over Angels- What more can you do if you are Shohei Ohtani? Hit homeruns and throws 1-hitters but can’t relieve in a game he’s been taken out of. Tonight the Angels will start Reid Detmers (2-8, 4.35 ERA) and although he is 2-0 with a 2.69 ERA against the Mariners he has lost his last three starts. Luis Castillo (7-7, 2.88) will start for Seattle who have won seven of their last nine.  Luis is 2 with a 2.55 ERA in four career starts against the Angels and he notches another win tonight. Take SEATTLE

Arizona at Minnesota 8:10 ET

Twins over Diamondbacks- Minnesota starter Baily Ober (6-5, 3.19 ERA) is off his worst start of the season as he surrendered six runs and 11 hits in four innings. This is his first ever start against Arizona who will start Merrill Kelly (9-5, 3.23) and he has one career win over the Twins. The Diamondbacks are 5-14 in their last 19 and should suffer more of the same. Take MINNESOTA!

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee 7:15 ET

Pirates over Brewers- Milwaukee is coming off a 1-5 road trip and now trail Cincinnati by a full game in the NL Central Division. The Brewers will try and stem the tide sending Adrian Houser (3-3, 4.43 ERA) who has been less than stellar in his appearances. He has given up 82 hits in just 67 innings with only 52 strikeouts. In 13 career games including nine start is 3-3 with a 4.05 ERA against the Pirates. Pittsburgh will send Mitch Keller (9-7, 3.97) to the hill and and he is 0-3 with a 4.62 ERA against the Brewers in five career starts. This time he picks up a win against the struggling Brewers. Take PITTSBURGH!

Tampa Bay at New York Yankees 7:05 ET

Rays over Yankees- After Aaron Boone removed Gerrit Cole (9-2, 2.64 ERA) from the biggest game of the season for the Yankees against Baltimore in a 0-0 game in the seventh inning it became obvious they were not playing to win. Removing your ac in the biggest game of the season when he has yet to surrender a run and only three hits took the heart out of New York as the Orioles promptly scored a 1-0 victory. Tampa bay who plays to win will send Shane McClanahan (11-1, 3.00) to the mound and the Yanks are just what he needs as he has gone five starts without a win. He get it here. Take TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Bay at New York Yankees 7:10 ET

Yankees over Rays- It is not that I think that the Yankees can make a run for the playoffs but more like ‘we’ have lost all confidence in the Rays. Surely, the Yankees are a much better team with Aaron Judge in the line-up ( sort of validates his MVP over Ohtani who has yet to even make the playoffs) and he has been as productive as ever since his return from the IL. The slip-sliding away Rays will send Zach Eflin (11-6, 3.64 ERA) to the mound and he has already tied his career high in victories and is 2-0 over New York with a win coming in May when he allowed four runs in six innings. Carlos Rodon (1-3, 5.75) makes just his fifth start an is coming off a win over the Mets allowing only one run in 5.2 innings with four hits. Judge actually is the difference when it comes to this Yanks lineup. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs 8:05 ET

Cubs over Reds- Having played against the Cubs Sunday posting St. Louis 3-0 as ‘our’ Megabucks winner, I feel very comfortable coming back with Chicago behind Marcus Stroman (10-7, 3.51 ERA). He has lost three of his last four decisions and was pounded by the White Sox last time out. This will be his last showing before the trade deadline expires and who know how it will affect him, but he is still amid his best season as a 10-year pro. The Cubs should bounce back today against the Reds Andrew Abbott (6-2, 1.90) whose numbers are off the charts with 66 K’s, in 61 innings with just 40 hits... but this is just one of those things. Take CUBS!

Baltimore at Toronto 7:05 ET

Blue Jays over Orioles- Baltimore continues to lead the AL and had stood up to almost every challenge so far this season and have maintained their lead over Tampa Bay. Tonight they will start Tyler Gibson (9-6, 4.68 ERA) who has had great support from his mates in order to win nine games this season as he never completely shutdown his opposition. Toronto is currently occupy a wild card spot and trail the Orange-Birds by 5.5 for the top spot and are 2.5-games ahead of Boston. Chris Bassitt (10-5, 3.81) get the nod for the Blue Jays and he is 4-1 in his last five decisions with the loss coming at Baltimore where he was shelled for eight runs and 11 hits in three innings. Looking to atone, tonight he shuts down the O’s. Take TORONTO!

Philadelphia at Miami 6:40 ET

Marlins over Phillies- Big showdown in the NL East (if you can say that this early) as the playoff bound Miami Marlins who hold that spot by a half-game over tonight’s guest the Philadelphia Phillies. The Fish have had a bad run since the All-Star break while the Phillies have not taken full advantage. Philly’s Taijuan Walker (11-4, 4.06 ERA) has been stellar for the most part but has surrendered 12 runs in his last four starts covering 24 innings. The Marlins (5-6, 4.74) and he is difficult to hit despite his record striking out 90 in 74 innings while giving up just 59 hits. I like MIAMI!

New York Yankees at Baltimore 7:10 ET
Yankees over Orioles- This is hard to take having to post the Yankees when I as many other do not believe that they have any chance to win especially in the playoffs as they are just not a sound baseball team. New York’s Luis Severino (2-4, 6.46 ERA) has been a nightmare for the Yanks will need to step up his game against the Orioles who will send Dean ‘Lucky’ Kremer (10-4, 4.59) who has had tremendous support from his teammates my run out of luck here with the Judge returning. Take YANKEES!

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis 2:10 ET

Cardinals over Cubs- So here we are with the Cubs starting to show some life and have won eight-in-a-row and have put themselves into the playoff picture. Chicago will be up against their biggest rival the disappointing Cardinals who still have the will to rise up and be a problem for the Cubs. It seems a bit odd that St. Louis would be favored here especially when Steven Matz (1-7, 4.34 ERA) who has a history of blowing up and he will be opposed by Kyle Hendericks (4-4, 3.45) who is one of the NL’s toughest pitchers to hit. Odds-makers like the Cardinals therefore so do I. Take ST. LOUIS!

Tampa Bay at Houston 2:20 ET

Rays over Astros- The Rays are in a virtual free fall and were crushed yesterday by Houston 17-4 and they seem to have lost their early season mojo. Houston is chasing Texas and has been making a move after the All-Star Game and comes up a pick’em at home and that price tells me that Tampa Bay even with Zack Littell (0-2, 5.11 ERA) getting the start. Houston will send Brandon Bielak (5-5, 3.62) to the hill and he was bombed by Texas Monday night and I expect more of the same tonight. Take TAMPA BAY!

New York Yankees at Baltimore 7:15 ET

Orioles over Yankees- First and last place AL East teams will go at it as Baltimore the AL’s best will host the division dwelling New York Yankees. As of this moment the three highest payrolls in MLB are currently outside to cut line for the playoffs as the Mets, Padres and Yankees all have been major disappointments. New York right-hander Clarke Schmidt (6-6, 4.33 ER) has won four straight decisions in his last eight starts. One of his prior losses was to the Orioles and is 2-2 with a 4.09 ERA in eight career games.Baltimore will start Tyler Wells (7-5, 4.33) and he 0-4 with a 4.95 ERA career against the Yankees. But, those were different Yankees teams and different Orioles team. Take BALTIMORE!

Boston at San Francisco 10:15

Giants over Red Sox- These two clubs are meeting for the first time in over four years after having first met over 100 years ago when the Giants were in New York. This time out San Francisco will send out Logan Webb (8-8,3.48 ERA) and he is looking to atone for his performance Saturday when he was whacked by Washington and previous to that he had won 4-of-5. Boston and SF are a half game apart record wise but the Red Sox are 1.5-games out of the wild card spot while the Giants are resting in the NL final spot. Kutter Crawford (4-5, 4.04) get the start for Boston and he has been more effective on the road this season but that silliness end here. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Texas at San Diego 9:40 ET

Padres over Rangers- Texas won their biggest game of the season Wednesday night coming from behind against the Astros in Houston. They were about to get swept 3-0 and fall into a first place tied with Houston and the Stros would have had all the momentum while Texas was trying oi figure out what happened, but the Rangers rallied and were in high spirits leaving Space City with a 2-game lead in the Division. The Padres also lost 2-of-3 in their series at Pittsburgh losing the rubber match on Wednesday.  Texas will start Dane Dunning (8-3, 3.18 ERA) and he will face-off with Joe Musgrove ( 9-3, 3.25) who had 11 starts before his lost to Detroit where he went 10 starts going 7-0 allowing just 1,0,1,2,1,2,3,1,0 and 0 runs. Take SAN DIEGO!

Seattle at Arizona 9:40 ET

Mariners over Diamondbacks- Seattle was expected to give the AL leaders something to worry about this season but they have yet to put tings together and maybe they are showing some signs of life as they have won five of their last seven. The Mariners are just 4.5-game out of the Wild card spot and look to make up ground while playing against Arizona as the D’backs are 3-9 since the All-Star break and have lost 24 of their last 19 overall.  They will start lefty Tommy Henry (5-3, 4.01 ERA) who has been hit hard and lost is last two outings and will be facing Seattle for the first time. The Mariners will start Logan Gilbert (8-5, 3.88) who has won his last three decisions. Take SEATTLE!

Cleveland at Chicago 7:30 ET

White Sox over Watchdogs- Great pitching match-up tonight and I would be surprised if either of these two starters gave up more then two runs each. The starters of course are for Cleveland Tanner Bibee (6-2, 3.04 ERA  ) whose name I just love and who’s pitching has been better than anyone expected. Now, for Chicago it will be Dylan Cease (4-3, 4.04) and he has been absolutely outstanding in his limited action but virtually un-hit-able. I know that I vowed to stay away from the White Sox because we don’t want to bet garbage, but some times the call is to wild to ignore...Take CHICAGO WHITE SOX!