Preview Roundups
August 29, 2016
Toronto at Baltimore 7:05 PM ET
The Baltimore Orioles have dropped off the pace in the American League East, but they have a chance to quickly make up ground when they host the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays on Monday in the opener of a three-game series. Baltimore salvaged the finale of a three-game set at the New York Yankees on Sunday to remain three games behind Toronto.
Washington at Philadelphia 7:05 PM ET
The Washington Nationals have not been performing like a team cruising toward the playoffs, allowing six runs per game while losing six of their last eight contests. Washington sends Tanner Roark to the mound to try and turn things around Monday when they visit the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies for the opener of a three-game set.
Tampa Bay at Boston 7:10 PM ET
Rick Porcello attempts to record his major league-leading 18th victory when the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday in the opener of a three-game series between the division rivals. Porcello, who is tied with Toronto's J.A. Happ for the most wins in the league, was thwarted in his attempt for No. 18 at Tampa Bay on Wednesday, settling for a no-decision after allowing three runs in 7 2/3 innings.
Chi. White Sox at Detroit 7:10 PM ET
The Detroit Tigers are hoping a pair of losses will not turn into a longer slide as they try to stay in the wild card race in the American League. The Tigers will see their third straight opponent with a losing record when they host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Minnesota at Cleveland 7:10 PM ET
The Cleveland Indians are buried in a deep offensive slump but have an ideal opponent to break out of their malaise against when the reeling Minnesota Twins come to town for a three-game series beginning Monday night. Cleveland has dropped five of its last six but maintains a 4 1/2-game lead over Detroit atop the American League Central.
Miami at NY Mets 7:10 PM ET
The New York Mets are trying to claw their way back into the battle for a National League wild card spot while the Miami Marlins seem to be sinking away from the top of that race. The Mets will try to take advantage of the slumping Marlins when they host the opener of a key four-game series on Monday.
St. Louis at Milwaukee 7:20 PM ET
In desperate need of a win to maintain their tenuous lead for the second wild-card spot in the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals probably are happy to return to a place that has been a home away from home for a few seasons. The Cardinals look to improve on their major league-best road record and maintain their recent dominance over an NL Central rival on Monday, when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers.
Seattle at Texas 8:05 PM ET
The Texas Rangers affirmed their status as the top team in the American League with just over a month left in the regular season by taking three of four at home over the weekend from their closest challenger. The Rangers continue what well may be a season-defining 10-game homestand on Monday, when they open a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.
Pittsburgh at Chi. Cubs 8:05 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates have surged into the thick of the National League wild-card race and will try to maintain that momentum when they begin a three-game road series against the majors’ best team on Monday. The Pirates have won four straight overall and eight in a row on the road heading into their clash with the Chicago Cubs, who hold a 14-game lead in the NL Central.
Oakland at Houston 8:10 PM ET
The Oakland Athletics suddenly have the look of a team that might relish playing the spoiler down the stretch. The Athletics will try their hand at another playoff contender when they open a three-game series at the Houston Astros on Monday.
NY Yankees at Kansas City 8:15 PM ET
Two teams scrambling for a wild-card spot in the American League butt heads Monday as the Kansas City Royals host the New York Yankees for the opener of a three-game series. The reigning world champion, Kansas City sits three games behind Baltimore for the second wild card after using an eight-run rally in the sixth inning to erase a deficit and post a 10-4 triumph at Boston.
LA Dodgers at Colorado 8:40 PM ET
The Los Angeles Dodgers have surged to the top of the National League West and will try to maintain or add to their lead when they begin a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Monday. The Dodgers have won two straight and six of their last eight to open a two-game lead over San Francisco after trailing the Giants by 6 1/2 at the All-Star break.
Cincinnati at LA Angels 10:05 PM ET
Both teams take a break from playing the spoiler role when the Los Angeles Angels host the Cincinnati Reds on Monday in the opener of a three-game interleague series. Los Angeles and Cincinnati both sit in last place in their respective divisions but have been thorns in the sides of playoff contenders of late.