Preview Roundups
April 09, 2017
Toronto at Tampa Bay 1:10 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Rays can win their second straight series against an American League East foe to open the season when they host the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday in the finale of a four-game set. Mallex Smith reached base all five at-bats Saturday and scored the winning run on Brad Miller’s bases-loaded walk in the 11th inning for a 3-2 victory to match the best six-game start in franchise history (4-2).
Boston at Detroit 1:10 PM ET
The Boston Red Sox are enduring a brutal rash of physical issues early in the season and will try once again to piece together a competitive lineup when they continue a four-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. A flu bug has claimed several victims in the Red Sox clubhouse - the latest being reliever Joe Kelly - and the list of sidelined players could grow in the wake of Saturday's 4-1 loss.
Atlanta at Pittsburgh 1:35 PM ET
Gregory Polanco is a critical part of the Pittsburgh Pirates' offense, and after starting the season with one hit in 14 at-bats, the left fielder hopes to build on a four-hit performance when the host Pirates attempt to complete a three-game sweep Sunday of the Atlanta Braves. Polanco singled in his first at-bat on Opening Day but went hitless in his next 13 at-bats before collecting a double and three singles Saturday in falling one hit shy of his career high of five hits in 2013.
NY Yankees at Baltimore 1:35 PM ET
The New York Yankees are struggling on a season-opening road trip and now have a serious injury concern on their hands heading into the finale of a three-game series at the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez, who opened 3-for-20 at the plate, left Saturday's 5-4 loss due to a right biceps strain, the result of a wild swing-and-miss.
Washington at Philadelphia 1:35 PM ET
After a solid start on Opening Day, Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the Washington Nationals on Sunday when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies, who are looking to build off a dynamic offensive performance. The Phillies scored 12 first-inning runs in Saturday's contest and went on to win 17-3 behind (among others) Howie Kendrick's 3-for-5 night with four RBIs.
Kansas City at Houston 2:10 PM ET
Offensive and bullpen woes reared their ugly head as the Kansas City Royals were swept in convincing fashion during their first series of the season, but they have seemingly passed those struggles on to their next opponent. The Royals attempt to win their third straight after dropping their first three contests Sunday when they eye a road series sweep of the Houston Astros.
Minnesota at Chi. White Sox 2:10 PM ET
Avisail Garcia looks to build off a strong start offensively when his Chicago White Sox go for a second straight victory against the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon. Garcia, who finished with a disappointing .245 batting average in 2016, came up a double shy of hitting for the cycle in Saturday’s 6-2 victory and is 8-for-16 with four RBIs in the season’s first four contests.
Chi. Cubs at Milwaukee 2:10 PM ET
The Chicago Cubs’ vaunted offense has been a bit slow out of the gate, but the lineup is showing signs of heating up. The Cubs look to continue their hitting surge in the rubber match of a three-game series at the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.
Cincinnati at St. Louis 2:15 PM ET
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Aledmys Diaz put together an impressive rookie season, and he enters Sunday’s finale of a three-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds looking to build off a two-homer performance in Saturday’s victory. After getting just four hits in the season’s first four games, Diaz sparked Saturday’s 10-4 victory with a solo homer in the first and a three-run shot in the fourth, finishing 3-for-5 with three runs scored and four RBIs.
Oakland at Texas 3:05 PM ET
A season that is expected to end in the playoffs - if not the World Series - has not started particularly well for the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have lost four of their first five games and could use a victory in the rubber match of their three-game set against the visiting Oakland Athletics on Sunday.
LA Dodgers at Colorado 3:10 PM ET
Colorado annually ranks among the worst pitching staffs in the majors, but the 2017 season - at least based on early results - doesn't appear as if it is going to be one of those years for the Rockies. Buoyed by an unexpected contribution from its pitchers, Colorado attempts to move to 6-1 for only the second time in its 25-year club history Sunday when it eyes a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Seattle at LA Angels 3:37 PM ET
The Seattle Mariners are off to another slow start with five losses in their first six games, but no one seems ready to push the panic button. The Mariners will look to jump-start their offense and avoid a three-game sweep Sunday as they face the host Los Angeles Angels, who have won four of their last five games behind a stellar defense.
Cleveland at Arizona 4:10 PM ET
As if it isn't enough the Arizona Diamondbacks have been the majors' best offense by a wide margin through the first week of the season, they have done so by starting games out about as slowly as any team can. The Diamondbacks hope to make life a bit easier on themselves by notching a victory in which they don't need a rally Sunday when they attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Cleveland Indians.
San Francisco at San Diego 4:40 PM ET
The San Francisco Giants’ decision not to pursue a left fielder during the offseason is looking more suspect with each passing loss, but it’s hardly the only reason for their slow start. The Giants look to avoid a three-game sweep Sunday against the host San Diego Padres, who have won back-to-back one-run games.
Miami at NY Mets 8:00 PM ET
Usually the sight of Noah Syndergaard on the mound spells bad news for the opposition, and the New York Mets’ hard-throwing right-hander starts Sunday night’s home game against the Miami Marlins looking to extend his domination. Syndergaard has not lost to New York’s National League East rival in three career starts, allowing just four runs while striking out 29 hitters with only two walks.