Kansas City at Tampa Bay 6:10 ET

Rays over Royals- Kris Medlen (2-0, 3.10 ERA) was looking like one of the top pitchers in the Braves rotation before injuries set in and now he is returning from his second Tommy John surgery. The Royals are looking for him to sure up their starting pitching as he makes his second start of the season this afternoon. Tampa Bay will start Jake Odorizzi (6-6, 3.02) who is winless in his last five starts and is 0-2 with a 6.91 ERA lifetime against Kansas City. Despite those numbers the Rays are the side today. Take TAMPA BAY!

Oakland at Arizona 9:40 ERT

A's over Diamondbacks- The lone bright spot for the Oakland A's during their miserable season has been Sonny Gray (12-5, 2.10 ERA) with a WHIP of 0.98 for the year. Despite their terrible play Oakland is 7-0 in their last seven games as a road favorite and they are 21-8 in their last 29 inter-league games against a team with a losing record. That's enough for me. Take OAKLAND!

Seattle at Chicago White Sox 8:10 ET

Mariners over White Sox- Chicago's John Danks (6-11, 4.90 ERA) has struggled most of the season with just a few bright spots thrown in the mix. Seattle is 5-2 in their last seven games as a road favorite and are 6-0 in Taijuan Walkers last six starts against the AL Central and 1103 in his last 14 starts overall. The White Sox are also 8-22 in Danks last 30 starts against a team with a losing record.  

Baltimore at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Orioles- Cole Hamels (1-1, 4.72 ERA) who close his career with the Phillies by throwing a no-hitter is in position to help the Rangers into the playoffs and must start paying dividends soon. The struggling Orioles have lost the opening game of a series 11 of their last 16 opportunities and they are 7-22 in their last 29 road games against a team with a winning record. Texas meanwhile is 13-4 in their last 17 home games and 10-4 in their last 14 overall. Take TEXAS!

Baltimore at Kansas City 2:10 ET

Orioles over Royals- Yesterday's win by the Orioles kept them within two game of Minnesota for the AL's second wild card spot despite having lost their six previous games. Baltimore will start Chris Tillman (9-8, 4.51 ERA) who has won seven consecutive decisions before losing to the Twins last time out. He is 2-2 with a 6.21 ERA in five career starts against Kansas City while Royals starter Yordano Ventura (8-7, 4.64) has won four straight and five of his last six decisions and is 1-1 with a 1.26 ERA in two starts against the Orioles. To me no doubt the Royals are the AL team to best but when Baltimore's bats are cooking they are difficult to beat. Take the ORIOLES!  

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco 10:15 ET

Giants over Cubs- There is no denying to Cubs along with the Toronto Blue Jays are the 'hottest' teams in all of baseball as they are 21-6 in their last 27 games overall. Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 4.03 ERA) gets the start and is 2-0 in his last five starts despite an ERA of 5.61 in those 25 innings. The Giants have been struggling on the road but are now at home where they are 19-7 in their last 26 as hosts and are 8-1 behind Jack Peavy (3-6, 4.35) when he has had five days rest as well as 6-1 in his last seven starts as a favorite. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

St. Louis at Arizona 9:40 ET

Diamondbacks over Cardinals- The St. Louis Cardinals are am amazing 34-games over .500 and yet they opened an underdog at Arizona against a team that is 7-15 in their last 22 games as a home favorite against a team with a winning record. On the mound for Arizona is Patrick Corbin (3-3, 4.09 ERA) and they are 23-8 in his last 31 starts as a favorite. Veteran John Lackey (10-8, 2.99) is getting the nod for the Cardinals and they are 3-13 in his last 16 road starts. The numbers say its so...take the DIAMONDBACKS!

St. Louis at Arizona 9:40 ET

Diamondbacks over Cardinals- St. Louis who is in the mist of the first of two ten-game road trips are now 4-0 against Arizona after Monday's 5-3 win and are 10-1 in the last 11 meetings. Yesterday's loss ended a four-game win streak for the Diamondbacks who will be starting Robbie Ray (3-9, 3.38 ERA) who has lost his last four starts and has never faced the Cardinals and is 0-4, with a 4.45 ERA at home. Jamie Garcia (5-4, 1.79) starts for the Redbirds and is 4-0 with a 2.78 Era lifetime against Arizona and yet St. Louis is a meager favorite here. This line is giving the D'Backs a good shot here. Take ARIZONA!

L.A. Angels at Detroit 7:10 ET

Angels over Tigers- Both these clubs enter this contest with four game losing streaks but only Los Angeles has a reasonable chance to make the playoffs. Detroit showed some signs of life with the return of Miguel Cabrera (19-for-36) for a short term while the Angels have dropped 10 of 14 to fall a game-and-a-half behind Texas for the finals wild card spot. Jered Weaver (5-9, 4.34 ERA) posted his first win since May 30 beating the White Sox 1-0 his last time out and is 5-4 lifetime against Detroit. Take LOS ANGELES!

Houston at New York Yankees 7:05 ET

Astros over Yankees- These two AL division leaders the Astros and Yankees (NY is in a tie with Toronto) face off for the second of their three-game series as New York won the opener 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth. Houston's Dallas Keuchel (14-6, 2.37 ERA) seeks to become the American League win leader and has already shutout the Yankees with 12 strikeouts in late June. Ivan Nova (3-3, 3.72) has lost 2-of-3 starts and has allowed three runs or less in eight of his 10 starts since rejoining the club in late June. This time the Astros gain some revenge. Take HOUSTON!  

Toronto at L.A. Angels 3:35 ET

Angels over Blue Jays- The 'red-hot' Toronto Blue Jays have won 18 of 22 and are trying to complete a three game sweep of the Angels have won the last two by a combined score of 24-5 as they pound out 20 hits on Saturday. Yet they still trail the Yankees by a half-game in the AL East. Los Angeles has lost nine of 13 and has fallen a half-game behind Texas for the second wild-card spot. Garrett Richards (12-9, 3.50 ERA) looks to get the Angels right this afternoon as Pujols and Trout pick up the offense. Take the ANGELS!

L.A. Dodgers at Houston 2:10 ET

Dodgers over Astros- The Dodgers have had difficulties scorning runs in hitter friendly Minute Maid park as they were no-hit on Friday and scored only one run yesterday as they have now dropped four straight. The ace of the staff Clayton Kershaw (10-6, 2.34 ERA) will have to be at his best as Los Angeles looks to salvage the final game of the series. He is 5-0 with a 0.82 ERA in his last seven starts and is 3-2 with a 2.60 ERA lifetime against Houston. Take the DODGERS!  

Kansas City at Boston 1:35 ET

Red Sox over Royals- The Royals who are running away from the rest of the American League has had difficulties with the Red Sox losing four straight to the Beantowners until Saturday's 6-3 break through. Eduardo Rodriquez (7-5, 4.48 ERA) had his long career start (eight innings) last time out against the Indians on Tuesday and has given up three or fewer runs in 11 of his 15 career starts. He has one appearance against Kansas City when he allowed only one run in 6.1 innings in mid June. Boston bats are awake and can do some damage here. Take the RED SOX!

St. Louis at San Diego 10:10

Padres over Cardinals- St. Louis has managed to take advantage (46-19) of a heavy laden home schedule and have the best record in baseball as hosts but now must undertake the first of two 10-game road trips. San Diego has won seven of nine and will start the disappointing Andrew Cashner (4-12, 4.20 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 5.56 ERA since his last win on July 24. He has one start against the Cardinals where he allowed one-run and only three hits in six innings. Look for lightning to strike again. Take SAN DIEGO!

Arizona at Cincinnati 7:10 ET

Diamondbacks over Reds- The Cincinnati Reds have been affected by trading away the cord of their pitching staff as they have dropped six straight and 12 of their last 15. Arizona meanwhile will be starting Rubby De La Rosa (10-5, 4.40 ERA) who is 4-0 with a 2.54 ERA over his last six starts but is 3-4 with a 4.66 ERA on the road. The sinking Reds will start David Holmberg (1-2, 5.95) and he has surrendered 13 walks and five homers in less then 20 innings of work. Tonight it is ARIZONA!

Tampa Bay Houston 8:10 ET

Rays over Astros- Tampa Bay will start All-Star Chris Archer (10-9, 2.93 ERA) whose record doesn't indicate how effective he has been this season as the Rays have struggled to score runs in his starts. He is 7-3 on the road in 11 starts and is 2-1 with a 1.09 ERA lifetime against Houston. The Astros will start Colin McHugh (13-6, 4.09) who has had plenty of support when on the hill but is 0-3 lifetime against Tampa Bay. This is a tough one as Houston is tough at home and Archer is so good on the road. I'll take the Rays here. Take TAMPA BAY!

Kansas City at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Royals- The fortunes of these two franchises has moved in different directions as the Red Sox are headed for their second straight last place finish while Kansas City may be headed to the World Series for consecutive seasons. Kansas City is hot as they have won five straight and 10 of their last 12 but will be starting their weak leak in Danny Duffy (6-5, 4.03 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA in four career starts against Boston. Wade Miley (9-9, 4.58) will get the start and he just snapped a seven start winless streak with a win over Seattle his last time out. And pitched six scoreless innings in his only start against the Royals this season. Take RED SOX!  

Texas at Detroit 7:10 ET

Rangers over Tigers- With the return of Micheal Cabrera the Tigers offense once again looks threatening as they post 15 runs against the Cubs last night and 25 in their two game sweep. Texas meanwhile has won six of seven and has the AL second Wold Card spot in its sights as they closed out a 5-1 home stand. The Rangers Martin Perez (1-2, 5.29 ERA) has put together three straight quality starts and has been a shot in the arm to Texas since returning to the rotation. The Tigers will start Alfredo Simon (10-7, 4.84) is going in the opposite direction as he has allowed four runs or more in nine of his last 10 starts including 21 runs and 36 hits in his last 24.1 innings at home. Take TEXAS!

Tampa Bay at Houston 8:10 ET

Rays over Astros- The first 'price' I saw on this contest had the Rays a favorite and it moved immediately to Houston and I was a little surprised at first to see Tampa Bay favored against the Central Division leaders who are 20-games over .500 at home (40-20). Houston has struggled against the Rays losing all four meetings this season and six in-a-row overall. Tampa's Jake Odorizzi (6-6, 3.09 ERA) has yet to allow a run against Houston in 13 innings covering two career starts. The Astros Scott Feldman (5-5, 4.17) could be better at home as the small confines of Minute Maid Park have him at 2-4, with a 5.56 ERA). Rays continue...take TAMPA BAY!  

New York Mets at Baltimore 7:05 ET

Orioles over Mets- As a Mets fan since their inception I post this side with a heavy heart especial because I really think that Jacob deGrom (11-6, 2.03 ERA) is something special, but even the best don't go undefeated. His ERA is now down to 2.03 only behind Zack Greinke in the Majors and is unbeaten in his last six starts. Baltimore's Kevin Gausman (2-4, 4.48) was the victim of Hisashi Iwakuma's no-hit effort against his mates last time out but he is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA at home. Somehow, the Orioles get it done. Take the ORIOLES!  

Kansas City at Cincinnati 7:10 ET

Reds over Royals- These two clubs appear to have different futures as the Royals acquired Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto and are leading their division by 12-games and the Reds who have lost nine of 12 are fighting to stay out of the cellar. Kansas City will start another former Reds pitcher in Edinson Volquez (11-7, 3.27 ERA) is off a pounding by the Tigers and is 1-2 with a 4.84 ERA against his former mates. Cincinnati will start Raisel Iglesias (3-4, 4.70) who is out of the bullpen and has 61 strikeouts in only 59 innings. Reds will be ready. Take CINCINNATI!

Cleveland at Boston 7:10 ET

Indians over Rex Sox- Who are those guys in Boston uniforms and what have they done to the 'real Red Sox? These guys have scored 15, 22 and 8 runs in their last three games winning two of three against Seattle getting 60 hits. Meanwhile, Cleveland has scored just one run in each of their past two games and are at the bottom of the AL Central while the Red Sox are bringing up the bottom in the AL East. Danny Salazar (10-6, 3.26 ERA) will start on the mound for the Indians and he has put together six straight quality starts and has allowed one or no earned runs in each of his last three starts. Matt Barnes (3-2, 5.64) has allowed 12 runs (10 earned) in 6.2 innings at Fenway Park this season. Take CLEVELAND!  

Oakland at Baltimore 7:05 ET

A's over Orioles- It has been 28 years since the Orioles have swept Oakland in a four-game series and they have a chance to do that tonight with a win at Camden Yards. The obstacle confronting them is Sonny Gray (12-4, 2.06 ERA) who will be facing Baltimore for the first time with season and carries a 1-2 lifetime mark against the 'hot' birds. The A's have lost 10 of 11 away from home and are 1-5 against the Orioles this year and will be facing Chris Tillman (8-7, 4.66) who is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA against the A's. With Gray on the hill Oakland is 15-8 and get it done here tonight. Take OAKLAND!

Tampa Bay at Texas 3:05 ET

Rays over Rangers- Tampa Bay's left-hander Drew Smyly (0-1, 2.70 ERA) was acquired for David Price and is taking the mound for the first time since mid April as he has had to mend a torn labrum as he makes only his fourth start of the season. Smyly had allowed only 10 hits while striking out 21 in 16.2 innings of work before his injury and is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA lifetime against Texas. Rangers starter Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 3.33) has walked 13 and struck out only nine in his last five starts surrendering 18 runs in 24.2 innings for a 6.57 ERA. Take TAMPA BAY!

Washington at San Francisco 10:05 ET

Nationals over Giants- Four weeks ago the Nationals when the Mets started their surge they said 'the division is ours to lose' and they are doing just that. Washington has now lost four straight and are 10 -18 since the All-Star break and trail the Mets by 4.5 games in the NL East. San Francisco's second-half move has only 2.5 games in back of the Dodgers in the West. Max Scherzer was pasted last night and now the Nats turn to Gio Gonzalez (9-4, 3.50 ERA) who is 5-0 with a 1.48 ERA in his last eight starts and is 3-2 with a 2.40 career ERA against the Giants. Jake Peavy (2-5, 3.75) San Francisco's 'weak-link' in their rotation is 4-6 with a 3.79 ERA against Washington lifetime. Take the NATIONALS!

San Diego at Colorado 8:10 ET

Padres over Rockies- It seems a bit difficult to swallow that a club that is six-games under .500 could be favored on the road with a pitcher Andrew Cashner who hasn't won in six starts and is 4-12 throwing to a 4.09 ERA. He has also struggled against the Rockies in 10 career appearances is 1-3 with a 5.91 ERA. But, San Diego may have been installed the favorite because of the way they have dominated Colorado this season winning eight of 10 meetings. Jon Gray (0-0, 2.70) is making his third big-league start and has pitched well in his 10 innings of work but the odds-makers don't like his chances here. Take SAN DIEGO!

Seattle at Boston 1:35 ET

Mariners over Red Sox- The Red Sox won big in an emotional setting Friday after leading that Manager John Ferrell was diagnosed with lymphoma and posted a 15-1 win in the series opener. But, this afternoon they will face 'King Felix' Hernandez (14-6, 3.11 ERA) who is 8-3 lifetime against Boston. The Bean-towner's will start Wade Miley (8-9, 4.68) who has gone straight straight starts without a win and has not won at Fenway Park since mid-June and is 4-4 with a 5.05 ERA at home. Take SEATTLE!  

Philadelphia at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Brewers over Phillies- The Brewers are an awfully strong favorite for a team that has lost five of six 16 of their last 22 games while the Phillies are 17-7 since the All-Star break. Rookie Adam Morgan (3-3, 4.06 ERA) will start for Philadelphia and he has struggled with the long ball surrendering seven homers in eight outings. Milwaukee's Willy Peralta (2-7, 4.48) has had problems after an excellent 2014 and looks to recover against a team that has beat him like a drum. Still, the price is so high the odds-makers believe in him here. Take the BREWERS!

Arizona at Atlanta 7:35 ET

Diamondbacks over Braves- The Diamondbacks who many during the spring thought to be the worst team in the NL has moved to within one-game of .500 this week as they scored 32 runs in a 3-game series at Philadelphia. The Braves have lost three straight and are eight-game under .500 will start Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.57 ERA) who is 2-1 with a 2.35 ERA in four career starts against Arizona. The Diamondbacks will start Robbie Ray (3-7, 3.13) and it seems odd that he would be favored on the road here. This is his first appearance against Atlanta but he is 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA on the road. Take the DIAMONBACKS!

Seattle at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Mariners- The Seattle Mariners who have won seven of their last 10 are still only better then the A's in the AL West and will most likely be without slugger Nelson Cruz because of a sore neck and he was in the mist of a 21-game hitting streak with eight homers in his last 11 games. Mile Montgomery (4-4, 3.25 ERA) who is winless in his last six starts has issued 18 walks in his last 25.1 innings and is making his first career start against the Red Sox. Meanwhile Joe Kelly (4-6, 5.96) is off one of his better outings against Detroit striking out seven in 5.1 innings picking up the win. Seattle is just 4-9 in Montgomery's starts while Kelly allowed only one run in 6.1 innings in his lone start against the Mariners. Take BOSTON!  

L.A. Angels at Kansas City 8:10 ET

Angels over Royals- The Royals have been just about unbeatable at home and suffered a rare setback at Kauffman Stadium when the most reliable closing staff in the 'bigs' faltered in the eight and ninth innings. If seems a bit 'off' that they Angels would open the favorite here as Kansas City is 39-19 at home even with Garrett Richards (11-9, 3.51 ERA) who has lost three of his last four starts. The Royals are starting their 'weak' link in Jeremy Guthrie (8-7, 5.84) who is 1-2 in his last three starts allowing 18 runs in 18 innings on 31 hits. Take LOS ANGELES!

Pittsburgh at St. Louis 7:15 ET

Pirates over Cardinals- If the Pirates played any kind of defense last night in St. Louis they would have shut out the Cardinals and posted a 2-0 win but alas they were brutal defensively and that's why the 'Red- Birds' are 33 games over .500. Pittsburgh's Francisco Liriano (7-6, 3.13 ERA) is 3-0 in his last seven starts and is 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA lifetime against St. Louis. Lance Lynn (9-6, 2.76) has allowed two or fewer runs in 16 of his 21 starts but was touched up by Pittsburgh in July when he surrendered five runs in four innings and received the loss. Take PITTSBURGH!  

New York Yankees at Cleveland 7:10 ET

Indians over Yankees- The Yankees have lost five straight and their 7½ game lead in the AL east and now trail the Toronto Blue Jays by a half game. The powerful Bronx Bombers have managed only six runs in their five-game skid and have scored one run or less in their last seven games. Cleveland has won four in-a-row and are seeking their first three-game home sweep of New York since 1970. Nathan Eovaldi (11-2, 4.15 ERA) has a gaudy record but although he is 7-2 on the road he has am ERA of 4.80 away from home with opponents batting .325. Take the INDIANS!

Pittsburgh at St. Louis 8:15 ET

Pirates over Cardinals- Two of the NL's best right-handers face-off in St. Louis where the Cardinals host Pittsburgh who is start MLB's win leader Gerrit Cole (14-5, 2.39 ERA) against Michael Wacha (13-4, 2.92). Cole has allowed three of fewer runs in seven straight starts and the former No. 1 overall pick is 2-2 with a 3.24 ERA lifetime against St. Louis. Michael Wacha (13-4 2.92) will start for the Red-birds and is 2-0 lifetime with a 1.69 ERA against the Pirates. In a match-up of NL powers it is the Bucs turn. Take PITTSBURGH!

Texas at Minnesota 8:10 ET

Twins over Rangers- This one is hard to post as the Rangers blew a late two-run lead for us last night and now I return to the scene and play 'against' them. The Twins had dropped 15 of 21 games since the All-Star break and last night's win has lifted their spirits. Minnesota's Mike Pelfrey (5-7, 4.06 ERA) is 0-2 lifetime against the Rangers and is looking to end a negative streak of his own as he hasn't won since June 7th and period over two months. Look for the Twins to respond and pick-up another win. Take MINNESOTA!

New York Yankees at Cleveland 7:10 ET

Indians over Yankees- New York's once seven-game lead in the AL East is down to a half-game as they dropped their four straight last night blowing a two-run ninth inning lead. Tonight they start CC Sabathia (4-8, 5.34 ERA) who is 4-1 with a 2.94 ERA lifetime against his former clubs. CC is having his worst career season as he pitched past the sixth inning just once in his 13 starts this year, The Indians will send Danny Salazar (9-6, 3.38) to the mound who is making his first career start against the Yankees. He has allowed only six earned runs in four starts since the All-Star break and will subdue the struggling Yankees' bats. Take CLEVELAND!   

L.A. Angels at Chicago White Sox 8:10 ET

White Sox over Angels- Chris Sale (9-7, 3.52 ERA) has had terrible back-to-back outings allowing seven runs in both starts losing to Boston and Tampa Bay and is 1-3 with a 7.61 ERA in his last four starts. Whit those performances behind him and with Chicago losing eight of their last 10 games it seem difficult to understand why the White Sox have been made the favorite here. Sale is 3-0 lifetime against Los Angeles with a 1.45 ERA in six appearances. The Angels haven't been much better of late winning just five of their last 16 games. Take CHICAGO!

L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh 8:10 ET

Dodgers over Pirates- The first-place Dodgers will start Alex Wood (7-7, 3.65 ERA) when the received from the Atlanta Braves in this important Sunday night showdown in Pittsburgh. Wood while with the Braves went 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA in five career games against Pittsburgh with a 1.26 ERA at PNC Park. Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.19) who won his first six decisions this season is off his best start of the year pitching seven scoreless innings with no walks against the Reds last Sunday. Still, this contest belongs to the Dodgers. Take LOS ANGELES!   

Houston at Oakland 4:05 ET

A's over Astros- The Oakland A's a playoff team last season have been a major disappointment this year as their defense has betrayed them putting them at the top of MLB in one-run losses going 12-26. Houston who still leads the AL West has had problems of their own when playing on the road with only two wins in the last 15 games. Newly acquired Mike Fiers (5-9, 4.17 ERA) will make his first start for the Astros since coming over from Milwaukee but was shelled in his first appearance in relief on Monday against Texas. Chris Bassitt (1-4, 2.64) starts for Oakland after posting his first career victory last time out. Houston just struggles away from Minute Maid Park and falls once again. Take OAKLAND!

Boston at Detroit 1:10 ET

Red Sox over Tigers- They say stats 'never lie' but believe me they can be very deceiving and the fact that the Tigers lead the majors with 53 10-hit games but find themselves under .500 tells the tale of their pitching and defensive woes. Former Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander (1-4, 5.05 ERA) is still struggling as and he is 3-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 career starts against Boston. Henry Owens (0-1, 5.40) gets the nod for the Sox after making his debut against the then red-hot- hitting Yankees in New York. He will find the going a little easier this time out. Take BOSTON!

Chicago White Sox at Kansas City 7:10 ET

White Sox over Royals- To start with this seems like an awful cheap price for the a contest that pits the defending AL Champs who are 20-games over .500 against a weak hitting division rival that is 12.5 games back in the standings. The Royals are 35-18 at home while the White Sox have lost six of their last eight But will have Jeff Samardija (8-6, 4.35 ERA) who has never defeated the Royals (0-4) and has lost twice this season to them. Jeremy Guthrie (7-7, 5.65) is the weak link in the Royals rotation and has surrendered 30 hits in his last 17.1 innings of work. Pitching will be the difference tonight. Take CHICAGO!  

Miami at Atlanta 7:10 ET

Marlins over Braves- The Miami Marlins were expected to contend in the NL this season and now find themselves 24 games under .500 after dropping their fifth straight and 12 of their past 14 last night. The Marlins and Braves has net 11 times this season with Atlanta capturing nine wins but will be facing hard throwing Tom Koehler (8-8, 3.71 ERA) who has a 2.98 ERA lifetime against Atlanta in 12 career appearances. Mike Foltynewicz (3-3, 5.40) gets the nod for the Braves and has a 5.97 ERA at home. And after all that the Marlins come up favored by the odds-makers. This time it's MIAMI!

N.Y. Mets at Tampa Bay 6:10 ET

Mets over Rays- The 'Red-hot' Mets have won seven straight and will send rookie sensation Noah Syndergaard (6-5, 2.66 ERA) to the hill against the weak hitting Rays who have lost four straight to the Mets. Syndergaard has nine strikeouts and no walks in each of his last two outings and has allowed just four runs in his last three road starts. Nathan Karns (6-5, 3.37) has thrown well for Tampa but has gone more then six innings just once in 14 starts and is 3-4 with a 3.52 ERA at home. Take Mets have the mojo' working right now and are a 'play' from here on out. Take NEW YORK!  

Minnesota at Cleveland 7:10 ET

Indians over Twins- The Minnesota Twins have fallen upon hard times since the All-Star break as they have dropped 14 of their last 18 and are falling out of Wild Card contention. The Indians who have never been in contention has lost 10 of their last 14 and are in the AL Central cellar. Minnesota's Mike Pelfrey (5-7, 3.65 ERA) in winless in his last nine starts and is 2-5 with a 5.68 ERA away from home. Cleveland will start Cody Anderson (2-3, 3.38) who has lost his way and is 0-2 with an ERA of 8.40 in his last three starts. Still, at home take CLEVELAND!

Toronto at New York Yankees 7:05 ET

Yankees over Blue Jays- The Blue Jays enter Yankee Stadium with a hot combo as their bats are on fire and R.A. Dickey (6-10, 4.06 ERA) has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five starts. He will be opposed by hard throwing Nathan Eovaldi (11-2, 4.30) who has not allowed more then three runs in any of his last eight starts has lost since June 16 and is 4-0 with a 3.66 ERA at home. Toronto is a weak 22-31 on the road while New York is 32-18 at home. Take the YANKEES!

L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh 7:05 ET

Dodgers over Pirates- A pair of pitching leaders square off in Pittsburgh where the Major League leaders in wins Gerrit Cole (14-5, 2.29 ERA) faces the MLB strike out leader (192) Clayton Kershaw (9-6, 2.37). Kershaw has three Cy Young Awards and an MVP and has won four straight while allowing zero runs on 16 hits with 45 strikeouts and only one walk in his last 34 innings of work. Cole on the other hand is 9-3 in his last 13 starts and has allowed more then three runs only once in 21 starts this season. The Kershaw 'numbers' are just too impressive to ignore. Take the DODGERS!

Chicago at Pittsburgh 7:05 ET

Pirates over Cubs- The Cubs are starting to make their move as they won their 6th straight their longest winning streak on the season as they have pulled within three games of Pittsburgh in the NL Wild Card race. Jeff Locke (6-6, 4.21 ERA) who the Cubs have pounded this season scoring 14 earned runs in 12.1 innings in three starts two of which ended in losses. Dan Haren (7-7, 3.42) who has lost his last three decisions against the Pirates (all with the Marlins) gets his first start for Chicago has a lifetime 5.28 ERA against Pittsburgh in 10 career starts. Look for the Pirates to dampen the Cubs hopes and end their streak here. Take the BUCS!  

Seattle at Colorado 8:40 ET

Mariners over Rockies- The 'Boom Stick' is on a tear as Nelson Cruz has homered in four straight games and is working on a 14-game hitting streak and now has 30 homers on the season. Colorado will start highly touted rookie Jon Gray who is making his major league debut and was the third overall selection in the MLB draft two summers ago. Seattle will start Vidal Nuno (0-1, 2.02 ERA) who also makes his first start of the year and is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in two starts against Colorado. Take THE MARINERS!  

Kansas City at Detroit 7:05 ET

Tigers over Royals- After a shaky start in his return to the mound off his stint on the DL Detroit's Justin Verlander (1-3, 4.86 ERA) has posted his two best starts back-to-back allowing only one run to the Red Sox and Rays while striking out 10 in his last appearance. He is 19-7 with a 3.17 ERA in 35 career starts against the Royals. Kansas City who have dropped three of their last four will start Danny Duffy (4-5, 4.28) the weak link their rotation who is 2-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 10 starts against the Tigers.

Take DETROIT!

Cleveland at L.A. Angels 10:05 ET

Indians over Angels- The powerful Angels lineup has gone in a funk this past week as they have scored just 15 runs during their current six-game losing streak as they have fallen four games behind division leading Houston. Cleveland hasn't been much better losing eight of their last 11 and remain in last place in the AL Central. The Indians Corey Kluber (6-11, 3.44 ERA) showed some of his Cy Young Award winning form last time out as he tossed his second career complete game against Kansas City allowing just one run last Wednesday. Take the INDIANS!

Houston at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- Two Texas clubs that are making moves toward the post season face off in Arlington where the Rangers winners of four-of-five host Houston winners of five-of-six. Texas will start Colby Lewis (11-4, 4.42 ERA) who is 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA in three starts against the Astros this season and is 7-1 with a 1.91 ERA career wise, while Houston will start Lance McCullers (5-3, 2.48) who has one win in the past month. With Josh Hamilton showing signs of life the Rangers are a foe to watch out for. Take TEXAS!

New York Mets at Miami 7:10 ET

Marlins over Mets- The Mets have pulled into a virtual tie with the Nationals in the NL East and much of it is not so much because of their fabulous pitching but the resurgence of Lucas Duda who has nine homers in his last eight games and now has 21 on the year. New York off their three0game sweep of the Nationals has won six of their last eight and finally have a major league line-up with the addition of Uribe, Kelly Johnson and Cespedes. The Mets' Bartolo Colon (9-10, 4.96 ERA) who started the year 7-0 now has a seven start winless streak but is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA against Miami this season. The Marlins will start Tom Koehler (8-7, 3.38) a Bronx native has an ERA of 2.32 at home but is 1-4 lifetime against New York. I expect the Mets to be drained after Sunday's emotional win over Washington and for the Marlins to eek out a win here. Take MIAMI!  

Seattle at Minnesota 2:10 ET

Mariners over Twins- Talk about having a teams 'number' Seattle's Hisashi Iwakuma (2-2, 5.10 ERA) has dominated Minnesota his entire career. He is 5-0 lifetime and has allowed no earned runs in 33.3 innings against the Twins holding them to a .165 average with striking out 34. Minnesota managed to win Saturday's contest with two runs in the bottom of the ninth aided by two wild pitches and today they will start Mike Pelfrey (5-7, 3.92) who is 0-5 in his last eight starts since June 7th. Take the MARINERS!  

Atlanta at Philadelphia 1:35 ET

Braves over Phillies- After having seen the Phillies 'live' before the All-Star break it is hard to see how they have won 12 of their last 14 contests bringing their home record to 26-26. White Philadelphia has won three in a row the Braves have dropped six straight and 16 of their last 20. Julio Teheran (6-6, 4.71 ERA) will start for the Bravos while the 'Wiz-kids' will counter with Adam Morgan (2-2, 4.05) who has only 14 strikeouts in his last 28 innings. Atlanta gets the bat on the ball and a win today. Take the BRAVES!

Kansas City at Toronto 1:05 ET

Blue Jays over Royals- The two most active clubs before the trade deadline passed were the Royals and Blue Jays who have picked up pitching and hitting in their multiple transactions. This 'price' looks a little heavy to me on Toronto's side when you consider Kansas City is starting Edinson Volquez (10-5, 3.21 ERA) against the Blue Jays R.A. Dickey (5-10, 4.27). When I see Volquez is 0-3 with a 7.30 ERA in five starts against Toronto I understand the odds makers reasoning. Dickey's record isn't attractive but he has surrendered three runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 outings. Look for the Jays to bounce back from Saturday loss. Take TORONTO!

Seattle at Minnesota 7:10 ET

Mariners over Twins- So many clubs when a streak is broken be it a winning or losing streak go off in the opposite direction once their streak is broken. The Mariners just broke a four-game slide with their 6-1 win over the Twins Friday and will start Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.20 ERA) who has struggled in his last four starts after a strong start going 0-2 with a 7.08 ERA in his last four outings. Minnesota's Kyle Gibson (8-8, 3.48) is also going through some changes as he has surrendered six runs in each of his last two starts getting hit for 16 hits in 10.2 innings. With Nelson Cruz on a tear it become the Mariners day. Take SEATTLE!

Tampa Bay at Boston 1:35 ET

Red Sox over Rays- The Rays are surly not playing like a team that has a shot at playoff action in the AL as the made three errors and left 13 men on base against the lowly Red Sox. Matt Moore (1-2, 7.61 ERA) one of the many that has under gone Tommy John surgery has not regained his prior form like the others as he has yet to go past five innings in five outings while recording only 17 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. Moore is 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA lifetime against Boston. Joe Kelly (2-6, 5.95) has been disappointing for the Red Sox as he has won just once since defeating the Yankees in early April. Still, this afternoon it is the RED SOX!

Kansas City at Toronto 1:35 ET

Royals over Blue Jays- A pair of three's surround this game as the Royals with the best record in the AL have dropped three straight and the Blue Jays have won three in-a-row for the first time since their 11-game win streak in early June. It appears that hard throwing Yordano Ventura (5-7, 4.86 ERA) has regained his form as he turned in his best effort in two months against Houston his last time out. He will be up against veteran Mark Buehrle (11-5, 3.29) who has dominated the Royals in his career going 26-12 with a 3.53 ERA in 53 starts. Despite these impressive numbers the Royals are set to bounce-back here. Take KANSAS CITY!

Seattle at Minnesota 8:10 ET

Mariners over Twins- Minnesota ended a four-game losing streak last nine but have still lost eight of their last 11 but are still leading for the second AL wild card spot. Both starters have struggled of late as Taljuan Walker (7-7, 5.03 ERA) is winless in his last four starts with an EAR of 8.02 while the Twins Tommy Milone (5-2, 3.58) has given up nine runs including five homers in his past two starts. Milone is just 3-4 with a 3.48 ERA lifetime against Seattle who Walker is facing the Twins for the first time. Expect 'beginners luck' as he gets it done here. Take SEATTLE!

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Brewers over Cubs- The Brewers who have dropped seven of nine since a four-game winning streak to start the second half may be playing short-handed as they are selling talent off before the trade deadline (today at 4pm ET). Taylor Jungmann (5-2, 2.14 ERA) part of the young talent that the Brewers are keeping has had five straight quality starts and is 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA at home. To counter him the Cubs will start Jason Hammel (5-5, 3.20) who is 6-0 against Milwaukee including a 4-0 and 1.60 ERA at Miller Park. This time it's the BREWERS!

Tampa Bay at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Rays- It seems like the only time the Red Sox have a chance of winning is when Eduardo Rodriguez (6-3, 4.26 ERA) is on the mound as they have lost 12 of their last 15 games. Somewhere Bobby Valentine is smiling as Boston has the worst record in the American League and just look terrible doing it. Erasmo Ramirez (8-4, 3.74) has a 6.39 ERA in four career appearances against Boston  as they Rays who were in first place in the AL East four weeks ago fade almost as quickly as the Red Sox. Take BOSTON! 

Cleveland at Oakland 10:05 ET

Indians over A's- Two of the AL's most disappointing clubs square off in the opener of a four-game series in Oakland as the A's host the Indians. Cleveland finally broke through with a win yesterday over the Royals after six straight home losses where they were outscored 37-10 as they came out with a season high 18 hits. Tonight the Tribe starts Carlos Carrasco (10-8, 4.26 ERA) who is winless in his last four starts with an ERA of 6.00 and has no career decisions against Oakland. The A's have a major league high 49 errors on the left-side of their infield and lead the 'Bigs' in one-run losses. Take CLEVELAND!   

Chicago White Sox at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over White Sox- How can this be? The hitless wonders have now won six in-a-row as the White Sox play the Red Sox in their third of four at Fenway Park. Boston has dropped 11-of-13 and will send the disappointing Rick Portello (5-10, 5.51 ERA) up against Chicago's Jose Quintana (5-9, 3.56) who is coming off his first career shutout. Portello is 9-7 with a 4.02 ERA in 19 career starts against the White Sox. Look for Boston to get the best of it tonight. Take BOSTON!   

Washington at Miami 7:10 ET

Marlins over Nationals- The Washington Nationals were expected to run away with the NL this season and although they are leading the East they are struggling to get it done especially against the Marlins who have won five of seven meetings and are 4-0 in Marlins Park. The Nationals are 4-7 since the All-Star break but will now have the services of Ryan Zimmerman and Jason Werth fresh of the disabled list. Ton Koehler (8-6, 3.16 ERA) has posted six straight quality starts with a 4-,1 1.68 ERA record at home and with the return of Dee Gordon the Marlins have more punch. Take MIAMI!

Kansas City at Cleveland 12:10 ET

Indians over Royals- This one kills me and I guess it isn't doing many of you any good either but here it is. Kansas City has the best record in the American League and the Cleveland Indians have lost six straight (all at home) and yet they are a prohibited favorite over the Royals. Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber (5-11, 3.59 ERA) has been throwing better with five straight quality starts until his last outing but has received only six runs of support in his last six losses. Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie (7-6, 5.35) realizes with Cueto joining the staff his spot in the rotation short lived as he gave up four runs and 11 hits in his last start. Somehow...it's CLEVELAND!

New York Yankees at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Yankees- Texas had pulled to with three-games of the division leading Twins but have dropped their past two games and now trail Minnesota by five games for the second wild card spot. Meanwhile, the Yankees are making mincemeat of the AL East as they have won 12 of their last 15 but will be starting their weak link Chris Capuano (0-4, 5.64 ERA) who is 0-2 lifetime against the Rangers who will start left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 4.91). Capuano is 0-3 with an ERA of 6.39 as a starter this season. This time it's TEXAS!  

Chicago White Sox at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over White Sox- It appears that Jeff Samardzija (7-5, 3.91 ERA) will be traveling again as Chicago has now won their last five contests. Wade Miley (8-8, 4.33) gets the nod for the Sawx and has been sharp in his last two outing but has gone four straight starts without a win. Samardzjia who is making his first career start at Fenway Park has struggled against Boston in his two appearances and is 0-1 with an ERA of 8.53. Take the RED SOX!

Kansas City at Cleveland 7:10 ET

Indians over Royals- I fell flat on my face yesterday with my selection of these same Cleveland Indians as the Royals jumped out to an early first inning lead and the Tribe was never able to recover, this time out I expect different results. Once again we find the stumbling Indians losers of five straight and favored over Kansas City who has won four in-a-row and 15 of their last 20 lead the AL Central by eight full games. The Royals are 22 games over .500 with the best record in the American League. Cleveland is an abominable 19-31 at home and will start Trevor Bauer (8-7, 4.29 ERA) who has one win over the Royals this season. KC will start Chris Young (8-6, 3.32) whose spot in the rotation is in jeopardy with the acquisition of Johnny Cueto surrendered six runs and eight hits to the Indians in early June. Look for all streaks to stop here. Take CLEVELAND!

Arizona at Seattle 10:10 ET

Mariners over Diamondbacks- These one could get ugly early as the Mariners two big guns Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano are 'red hot' while Arizona has scored three of fewer runs in 10 of their last 13 games. The Diamondbacks will start Robbie Ray (3-5, 2.72 ERA) who lost four of his last five decisions and has worked less then five innings in his last two starts. Meanwhile, Seattle's rookie Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.25) is off his season's worst performance surrendering eight runs and five walks in just 2 2/3 innings against Detroit. Tonight he bounces-back with a better outing. Take the MARINERS!

Detroit at Tampa Bay 7:10 ET

Rays over Tigers- The Rays are one of the weakest hitting teams in baseball ranking 14th in the AL in runs scored and have not plated more then four times in any of their past 13 games. That can all change this series as they face one of the weakest starting rotations in the baseball. Detroit's lone bright spot Anibal Sanchez (10-7, 4.59 ERA) has won straight straight contests in his last eight starts but he is just 2-2 with a 5.08 ERA against the Rays. On the other side Tampa Bay's Nathan Karns (5-5, 3.47) snapped a four game winless streak last time out but has held opponents to two runs or fewer in 14 of his 19 starts. Take TAMPA BAY!

Kansas City at Cleveland 7:10 ET

Indians over Royals- The Cleveland Indians are bringing up the rear in the AL Central 14 games behind the Royals as they were just swept at home in a four-game series by the White Sox. And yet Vegas makes them a small favorite in the opener of their series against Kansas City. Edinson Volquez (9-5, 3.15 ERA) has been a great addition to the Royals staff but is 1-2 against the Indians with one very weak performance this season when he walked six in three innings. Cody Anderson (2-1, 1.91) had his first poor outing of the season in his five major league starts but had surrendered just three runs in 30.1 innings in his four previous turns. I just can't past this Vegas 'price.' Take CLEVELAND!

Detroit at Boston 8:05 ET

Red Sox over Tigers- The Red Sox have faced pitchers the past two games from the Tigers that were struggling and made them look like Cy young winners. First Justin Verlander with an ERA of 6.62 gives up one run in eight innings and then yesterday Alfredo Simon who had an ERA of 10.16 in his previous six starts shuts the Sox down with one run. Today Shane Greene (4-7, 6.52 ERA) starts for Detroit and he has an ERA of 12.00 while opponents are batting .385 in his last six starts. He is 0-1 with a 10.57 ERA in three starts against Boston. Only way to go take...RED SOX!

Cincinnati at Colorado 4:10 ET

Rockies over Reds- The Rockies Kyle Kendrick (3-11, 6.12 ERA) has not adjusted well to pitching in Coors Field as he has yielded 24 home runs as Colorado has lost 14 of his 19 starts. Reds starter Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.77) is winless in his last four starts with only one quality start as Cincinnati has lost eight of their last 13. Take the ROCKIES!   

Miami at San Diego 4:10 ET

Marlins over Padres- San Diego has won the last two of this four game set after the Marlins won the opener and will start Odrisamer Despaigne (3-7, 4.98 ERA) to try and win their third straight. Miami will start Matt Latos (4-6, 4.48) who since returning from the DL has been outstanding allowing onlt 11 hits and three earned runs in his last three starts over 20 innings. He has a 1.35 ERA in three career starts against San Diego. Take MIAMI!  

Detroit at Boston 4:05 ET

Red Sox over Tigers- The 'numbers' here are so one sided it seems impossible for me to even try and make a case for the Red Sox. But, I did find one thing, Boston is 5-1 in their last six games against a team with a losing record and Detroit has that. I can give you a number of trends that say the Tigers should win easily but I just don't see it. After losing eight in-a-row the Red Sox came up favorites last night and won and they come up favorite again and I expect them to win again. Take BOSTON!   

New York Yankees at Minnesota 8:10 ET

Yankees over Twins- The Yankees are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the division as they come off a 3-game sweep of the Orioles to open a seven-game lead in the loss column. New York is 5-1 since the All-Star break and 12-4 in their last 16 as their starting pitching has allowed just 2.7 runs in the last six contests. New York's Michael Pineda (9-6, 3.77 ERA) will be facing former Yankee Phil Hughes (8-6, 4.15) who is 1-1 with a 5.56 ERA in two starts against the Yankees. Stay with the hot hand...Take NEW YORK!  

Detroit at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Tigers- Detroit's former Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander (0-3, 6.62 ERA) isn't anywhere close to the form that won him the top pitching honor in baseball and is coming off his worst performance of the season against the Orioles who battered him for seven runs and eight hits in 3.2 innings. Verlander is 3-4 with a 3.63 ERA lifetime against Boston who will be starting former Tiger Rick Porcello (5-10, 5.79) and he has struggled allowing 18 home runs this season but is 4-4 with a 4.70 ERA at Fenway Park. The Red Sox come off an 0-7 road trip and come up favorites over the Tigers. Take BOSTON!

Washington at Pittsburgh 7:05 ET

Pirates over Nationals- Four weeks ago Washington's Max Scherzer (10-8, 2.09 ERA) was one strike away from a perfect game against tonight's opponent the Pittsburgh Pirates, but has lost three of four his last decisions since that start. Jeff Locke (5-6, 4.01) has also lost three of his last four starts as the Pirates have scored just four runs I those games. Locke hasn't surrendered a homer in his last seven starts has one start against the Nationals now allowing a run in 5.2 innings while Scherzer is 4-2 with a 2.50 lifetime ERA against Pittsburgh. This time the Buccs catch-up to him. Take PITTSBURGH!  

Milwaukee at Arizona 9:40 ET

Brewers over Diamondbacks- The Brewers were the first major league club to fire their manager and have made a turn-around of sorts as they ave won eight of 12 while the Diamondbacks have dropped eight of 10. Milwaukee has had a bright spot in their rotation as Mike Fiers (5-7, 3.79 ERA) is 2-0 in his last five starts including four outing where he has allowed two runs or fewer and is 1-1 in two career starts against Arizona. Zack Godley is making his first start since being called up from Double-A Mobil where he was 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA in his last three starts. Milwaukee has played better on the road (22-24) then at home. Take the BREWERS!

Seattle at Detroit 7:05 ET

Mariners over Tigers- The Detroit Tigers season has been a disaster to date as they dropped back under the breakeven .500 mark. Pitching has been their biggest downfall as their team ERA for the starters is 8.21 the past seven games and they have allowed a AL worst 228 runs since June 1. Anibal Sanchez (9-7, 4.55 ERA) has won six of his last seven starts but has been aided by an offense that has averaged seven runs in that span. Seattle will start Mike Montgomery (4-3, 2.51) who has been outstanding on the road with a 3-0 record and 1.69 ERA. Take the MARINERS!  

Toronto at Oakland 10:05 ET

A's over Blue Jays- It doesn't look like the Oakland A's will be part of the playoffs this season and partly because they traded away their most powerful force at the plate during the off season, as they sent Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays in part for tonight's hurler (Kendall Graveman (6-5, 3.38 ERA). He has gone 5-3 with a 2.17 ERA in to starts since a shaky April. The A's have won four of their last five and will facing Mark Buehrle (10-5, 3.34) who is just 8-14 with a 3.66 ERA lifetime against Oakland. Take OAKLAND!

Pittsburgh at Kansas City 8:10 ET

Pirates over Royals- The Pirates were sailing along before the All-Star break winning nine of 10 before they break and then dropped three straight at Milwaukee but go their 'mojo' back last night with their biggest scoring outburst since June 7th. Gerrit Cole (13-3, 2.30 ERA) seeks to be the majors top winner tonight as he has gone 8-1 over his last 10 starts and is 6-1 with a 1.82 ERA in nine road starts. Kansas City's Jason Vargas (5-2, 4.10) makes his first start in six weeks as straining his elbow in his throwing arm and will have to work out the kinks. Take PITTSBURGH!    

Seattle at Detroit 7:05 ET

Mariners over Tigers- The disappointing Seattle Mariners blew an eighth inning lead last night to dropped their third one-run game since the All-Star break as they fell to 1-3. They will be starting Taijuan Walker (7-7, 4.84 ERA) who had won five straight starts before getting belted around in a loss to the Angels. He has won four straight road decisions giving up just three runs in 26 innings and has no record against Detroit. The Tigers will start Shane Greene (4-7, 6.32) who just spent a month in the minors as he has lost five straight decisions will one coming since his return when he surrendered seven runs as he hasn't worked past the fifth inning in any of his last four starts. Take SEATTLE!

San Francisco at San Diego 10:10 ET

Padres over Giants- Look-out NL here come the Giants! San Francisco swept their three-game series against Arizona to open the second half and have now won six straight. The Padres also came out of the gate hot after the break winning two games against the rockies before yesterday's rainout and have now won four in-a-row. Tim Hudson (5-7, 4.68 ERA) is fresh off the disabled list but is 7-4 with a 2.89 ERA lifetime against San Diego. Ian Kennedy (4-9, 4.91) has been a disappointment for the Padres this season but is 10-5 with an outstanding 2.38 ERA in 25 starts against the Giants. Take SAN DIEGO! 

Seattle at Detroit 7:05 ET

Mariners over Tigers- The Detroit Tigers were expected to once again contend with the Royals for the AL Central but have been a major disappointment as they have fallen under .500 and are 10½ games behind the Royals in the division. The Tigers took 2-of-3 from the Mariners in Seattle in early July when they had Michael Cabrera who is currently on the DL. Seattle will start J.A. Happ (4-5, 4.14 ERA) who has won just once in his last 11 starts but is 1-0 with a 3.66 ERA versus Detroit. The Tigers will start Alfredo Simon (8-6, 4.53) who defeated the Mariners in Seattle despite surrendering five runs in eight hits in just 5.2/3 innings. Look for a home field turnabout here. Take the MARINERS!

New York Mets at Washington 7:05 ET

Mets over Nationals- If the New York Mets are going to make a serious bid for a wildcard spot in the NL the first nine days after the All-Star break will be crucial to their plight as they start the second half with series against three straight division leaders. Monday they send their ace Matt Harvey (8-6 3.07 ERA) to the mound against rival division leader Washington who like the Mets dropped 2-of-3 in their first series back. Harvey is 2-0 over the Nationals this season pitching 13 scoreless innings and is now 3-1 with a 0.68 ERA in six career starts against them. His opponent on the hill is Gio Gonzalez (6-4, 3.99) who is 8-4 with a lifetime 2.87 ERA against New York. Still, Harvey is the key here. Take the METS!

Minnesota at Oakland 4:05 ET

A's over Twins- Last season the Oakland A's were a playoff squad as they were a well balanced club, this season their hitting has been inconsistent and their defense atrocious. The one thing the A's have been able to do this season is defeat the Twins at home as they have now won 10 of their last 12 hosting Minnesota. Tommy Milone (5-1, 2.84 ERA) returns to Oakland where he was 15-8 with a 2.96 ERA while pitching for the A's, he will fine it a little more difficult this time as a visitor. Oakland will start Jesse Chavez (4-9, 3.40) who suffered his third straight loss his last time out but is 1-0 lifetime against the Twins. This afternoon it's OAKLAND!   

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee 2:10 ET

Brewers over Pirates- Like I said Saturday the Pirates were the team affected most by the All-Star game as they had won 11 of 13 prior to the break and had all the momentum and now they have seemed to have lost their 'mojo' now to mention their last two games at Milwaukee. The Brewers who were the first team to lose their manager are fighting back to respectability as they have won 15 of 21 and will start their prized rookie Taylor Jungmann (4-1, 2.15 ERA) who hasn't lost since his second career start on June 14. He made his debut against Pittsburgh and gave up one run and three hits in seven innings to notch his first win. This afternoon he gets his second. Take MILWAUKEE!

Miami at Philadelphia 1:35 ET

Phillies over Marlins- Philadelphia's Cole Hamels (5-7, 3.63 ERA) is said to be trade bait for contenders but hasn't been showing much of late as he is winless in his last eight starts and is coming off his worst performance of the season getting racked for nine runs and 12 hits in only 3.1 innings against the Giants last time out. Miami starter Dan Haren (7-5, 3.24) is off two fine performances before the break but is just 2-6 with 12 career starts against the Phillies with a 4.24 ERA. Philadelphia is on a rare hot streak and it continues today. Take the PHILLIES!

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee 7:10 ET

Brewers over Pirates- Like a stated yesterday the Pirates are the one team that wasn't pleased when the All-Star break arrived as they had won 13 of their previous contests. Milwaukee meanwhile, has won 11 of their last 15 including Friday's 'Money Game' 4-1 winner as they held Pittsburgh to only three hits. Francisco Liriano (5-6, 2.98 ERA) has deserved better fate but the team is just 8-10 in his starts and he is 6-5 lifetime against the Brewers. Milwaukee will start Jimmy Nelson (6-9, 4.21) has a win over the Pirates this season and is 2-1 with a 1.00 ERA in three career starts against the Buccs. Take the BREWERS!     

Chicago Cubs at Atlanta 7:10 ET

Cubs over Falcons- Chicago free-agent Jon Lester (4-8, 3.59 ERA) has not won since mid-May and is winless in his last 10 starts. It has not been all Lester's fault as he didn't allow an earned run in his last two starts while the Cubs were scoring no runs and only three in his last four outings. Former Yankee Manny Banuelos (1-0, 0.75) is making just his third big-league start and he will have his work cut out for him against this heavy-hitting Chicago line-up. Lester breaks through. Take the CUBS!

Kansas City at Chicago White Sox 2:10 ET

White Sox over Royals- Kansas City's Jeremy Guthrie (7-5, 5.36 ERA) has been like night and day at different times this season. He is 10-8 with a 3.34 ERA in 26 career meetings against the White Sox but is has been outstanding at Cellular Field where he has allowed three runs or fewer in 10 of his 12 starts. Jose Quintana (4-9, 3.69) has nine quality starts for Chicago but the lack of support has hurt his chances of winning. Despite an 0-6 career record against the Royals with a 4.50 ERA he gets the nod because of nine consecutive quality starts. Take the WHITE SOX!

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Brewers over Pirates- The Pirates were one team that wasn't looking forward to the All-Start break has they had won 11 of their last 13 contests entering the break. The Brewers meanwhile have dropped four of their last six games following an eight game winning streak and are in last place in the Celntral Division. Pittsburgh trails only St. Louis is the NL and have won six of nine meetings with Milwaukee after losing 12 of 19 games last season to the Brew crew. Charlie Morton (6-2, 4.15 ERA) started the season 5-0 but has is 1-2 in his last four starts and is 3-6 with a 4.11 ERA in 12 career starts against this division rival. Mike Fiers (4-7, 3.96) has posted three quality starts in his last five appearances and has only one win in that span. Look for Milwaukee to improve on the major's worst home record in the second half. Take the BREWERS!

Cleveland at Cincinnati 7:10 ET

Indians over Reds- Cincinnati enters this fray after with two loses and three of four where they were outscored 24-5 but managed one win. The Indians took all three meetings in Cleveland out-scoring the Reds 14-6 in last May. Trevor Bauer (8-5, 3.76 ERA) starts for the Tribe and his has won his last two starts and is 5-2 with a 1.82 ERA in eight road starts this season. Mike Leake (6-5, 4.08) starts for Cincinnati and he is 1-1 in five career starts against Cleveland as he was knocked up for five runs on seven hits and five walks in four innings against the Indians this season. Take CLEVELAND!   

Baltimore at Detroit 7:05 ET

Orioles over Tigers- These two clubs won their respective divisions last season with the Orioles taking the Tigers out three-games-to-none in the second round of the AL playoffs last season. If the playoffs started today both these squads would be on the outside looking in as the second half starts tonight. The are both 44-44 as Detroit starts Anibal Sanchez (8-7, 4.63 ERA) and enter this game on three straight losses while Baltimore starts (Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 2.81) has struggled against the Tigers going 5-9 with a 4.93 ERA but that was with Michael Cabrera causing plenty of damage hitting .350 and now he's out. Sanchez has been good enough but the Tigers are struggling. Take BALTIMORE!

L.A. Angels at Seattle 4:10 ET

Mariners over Angels- The Angels have made their way up the ladder and now trail the slumping Astros by just a half-game in the AL West and will have rookie Andrew Heaney (2-0, 1.77 ERA) on the hill against the division rival Mariners. Seattle will start Taijuan Walker (7-6, 4.53) who is 5-0 in his last six starts and has defeated Los Angeles once this season with a 1.29 ERA. In this one the home club gets it done. Take SEATTLE!

Atlanta at Colorado 4:10 ET

Rockies over Braves- The last-place Rockies have won their last three all over Atlanta and have defeated the Braves five straight times while the Bravos had dropped their last four. Alex Wood (6-5, 3.34 ERA) started the first game of the series on Thursday but a two-hour rain delay ended his night after two pitchers so will be starting for the second time in this series. Wood is 1-2 lifetime against Colorado but a fine 5-2 on the road with a 2.43 ERA. Chad Bettis (4-4, 4.95) who lost his major league debut against the Braves last August will look to even the slate here. Take the ROCKIES!

Oakland at Cleveland 1:10 ET

Indians over A’s- A pair of streaks ended yesterday with Oakland’s 5-3 win over Cleveland as the A’s halted a three game losing streak and the Indians had their four game winning streak end. Oakland’s Sonny Gray (9-3, 2.20 ERA) is 1-0 lifetime against the Indians and is an outstanding 6-1 with a 2.10 ERA on the road while his mound opponent Corey Klubler (4-9, 3.45) just posted his first win since the end of May but is 0-3 lifetime against the A’s. This time the Indians who have won nine of 13 get it done. Take CLEVELAND!

L.A. Angels at Seattle 10:10 ET

Mariners over Angels- The Angels are putting on a power display as Mike Trout has hit seven homers in 10 games to tie him for the AL lead with teammate Albert Pujols with 26 dingers. Los Angeles will start C.J. Wilson (7-6, 3.82 ERA) who has been hot of late winner four of his last five starts and is 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA against Seattle this season. The Mariners will start Hisashi Iwakuma (0-1, 7.17) who is back off the disabled list and is 6-2 with a 3.05 ERA lifetime against L.A. The Mariners bounce-back here. Take SEATTLE!

San Diego at Texas 9:05 ET

Padres over Rangers- Texas how eddied a five-game losing streak Friday night hasn’t won back-to-back games yet this month. San Diego meanwhile has lost six straight and will starting James Shields (7-3, 3.88 ERA) who is winless in his last six starts going 0-3 but has surrendered two runs or fewer in three of those starts including no earned runs and only two hits in his last start at Pittsburgh. The Rangers will start Colby Lewis (8-4, 4.83) who was batted around for 10 runs and 12 hits on four innings in his last start against the Angels on Sunday. Lewis who has never faced the Padres his a 5.11 ERA at home. Take SAN DIEGO!