Preview Roundups
June 30, 2017
San Francisco at Pittsburgh 7:05 PM ET
Even as the Pittsburgh Pirates struggle to make a move in the wide-open National League Central, Andrew McCutchen is doing everything in his power to lead the charge. The former NL MVP looks to wrap up a torrid June on Friday when the Pirates host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game series.
Tampa Bay at Baltimore 7:05 PM ET
The Baltimore Orioles are attempting to climb back into the middle of the American League East race and can take over third place when they host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday to open a three-game set. Baltimore has won four of its last five games after taking two of three at Toronto, capped by a 2-0 triumph Thursday night, and the final two at Tampa Bay last weekend to improve to 4-2 against the Rays in 2017.
Boston at Toronto 7:07 PM ET
The Boston Red Sox hope their dominant play at home travels well on Friday as they begin a 10-game road trip with the opener of a three-game series versus the Toronto Blue Jays. The Red Sox slugged their way to a 6-3 victory on Thursday to take three of four from Minnesota and improve to 25-14 at Fenway Park, although they have dropped six of their last 10 away from Boston.
Chi. Cubs at Cincinnati 7:10 PM ET
The Chicago Cubs’ youth movement helped the franchise snap a 108-year championship drought last season, and now the Cubs are counting on a new wave of prospects. Chicago’s injury-depleted lineup is loaded with young players as the Cubs begin a three-game road series against the last-place Cincinnati Reds on Friday.
Philadelphia at NY Mets 7:10 PM ET
The surging New York Mets will try to follow up a solid finish to a long road trip when they return home to begin a three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. After losing the first four games of the 10-game swing, the Mets won five of the final six, including Thursday's 6-3 win at Miami.
Cleveland at Detroit 7:10 PM ET
A homestand that started on a sour note ended with a surge, and the up-and-down Cleveland Indians head out onto the road in first place in the American League Central. The Indians visit the Detroit Tigers for the beginning of a four-game series on Friday before returning to Cleveland for six straight heading into the All-Star break.
NY Yankees at Houston 8:10 PM ET
Lance McCullers Jr. often mesmerizes hitters, and he looks to befuddle the New York Yankees' lineup for the second time this season when the Houston Astros host the opener of their three-game series on Friday. McCullers pitched six scoreless innings in defeating New York on May 12, when he gave up four hits while recording seven strikeouts.
Texas at Chi. White Sox 8:10 PM ET
The Chicago White Sox own the worst record in the American League and will try to inch themselves in the right direction when they host the Texas Rangers on Friday in the opener of their three-game series. The White Sox took a positive step Thursday with a 4-3 victory over the New York Yankees that improved them to 2-5 on their 10-game homestand.
Miami at Milwaukee 8:10 PM ET
The Milwaukee Brewers haven't been shy about testing the limits of ballparks this season, highlighted by a six-homer performance in their last outing. The Brewers aim to continue their power surge on Friday when they return to Miller Park to begin a six-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series versus the Miami Marlins.
Minnesota at Kansas City 8:15 PM ET
Kansas City Royals left-hander Jason Vargas bids to become the American League's first 12-game winner on Friday as he carries a six-start winning streak into the opener of a four-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins. The 34-year-old has allowed just 10 runs during that stretch and sports a 6-1 mark with an AL-best 1.92 ERA at home this season.
Washington at St. Louis 8:15 PM ET
The St. Louis Cardinals are finally streaking in the right direction and have a chance to reach .500 by the All-Star break if they can keep up the momentum. The Cardinals just got through taking a series from one of the best teams in the National League and will try to turn that trick again when they host the NL East-leading Washington Nationals in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.
Colorado at Arizona 9:40 PM ET
What appeared as recently as mid-June to be a dream season for the Colorado Rockies has quickly turned sour, leaving them mired in their longest losing streak in over two years. After watching their eight-game slide begin at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks last week, the Rockies attempt to right the ship Friday when they open a three-game series at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Atlanta at Oakland 10:05 PM ET
The Atlanta Braves had their consecutive series wins streak halted in San Diego but hope to begin another one when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Friday for the opener of their three-game set. Atlanta had won four straight series before dropping two of three to the Padres, including a 6-0 decision in Thursday's rubber match.
Seattle at LA Angels 10:07 PM ET
The inconsistent Seattle Mariners look to halt their four-game slide when they open a three-game series against the host Los Angeles Angels on Friday. Seattle recorded a season-best six straight wins before immediately falling on tough times, including losing consecutive home games to lowly Philadelphia.
LA Dodgers at San Diego 10:10 PM ET
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been taking full advantage of their lengthy string of games in the Golden State and hope to continue their success when they visit the San Diego Padres on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Los Angeles posted a 6-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday to improve to 9-2 on a stretch during which it plays 20 straight contests in California.