Preview Roundups
September 10, 2018
Houston at Detroit 6:10 PM ET
Justin Verlander returns to Comerica Park for the first time as the enemy as the Houston Astros attempt to become the second 90-win team in the major leagues when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Monday for the opener of their three-game series. Verlander went 97-50 with a 3.20 ERA in 187 starts at the ballpark while with Detroit before being dealt to Houston at last year's trade deadline.
LA Dodgers at Cincinnati 6:40 PM ET
Justin Turner was the National League Player of the Month for August and hasn’t cooled off much in September while helping the Los Angeles Dodgers pull within one-half game of first place in the NL West. Turner looks to follow his four-hit effort last time out with another strong performance when the Dodgers visit the last-place Cincinnati Reds on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.
Washington at Philadelphia 7:05 PM ET
The Philadelphia Phillies have seen the bottom fall out in a hurry with seven straight series losses and defeats in 15 of their last 23 games overall. The Phillies (74-68) look to pick up the pieces in a hurry on Monday when they open a nine-game homestand with the first of three contests versus the Washington Nationals (71-72).
Cleveland at Tampa Bay 7:10 PM ET
The Cleveland Indians don't have anyone pushing them in the American League Central but finding a higher gear over the next few weeks in advance of the playoffs is a priority. The Indians will try to avoid back-to-back losses and find their groove when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Miami at NY Mets 7:10 PM ET
September hasn't always provided fond memories for the New York Mets, however the club with nothing to lose has won six of eight since flipping the calendar this time around. The Mets (65-77) look to continue their good fortune on Monday as Jacob deGrom aims to strengthen his National League Cy Young candidacy in the opener a four-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins (56-86).
Milwaukee at Chi. Cubs 8:05 PM ET
The calendar is still on the Chicago Cubs’ side in the National League Central race, but the Milwaukee Brewers have a chance to change that this week. After a big week, the Brewers are within two games of the Cubs heading into a pivotal three-game series starting Monday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
NY Yankees at Minnesota 8:10 PM ET
The Minnesota Twins are not competing for a postseason spot but watching the young players and recent callups improve is keeping the team engaged. The Twins will try to make things tough on a team that is competing for a playoff spot when they host the New York Yankees in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Chi. White Sox at Kansas City 8:15 PM ET
The Kansas City Royals look to continue their strong play at Kauffman Stadium when they open a seven-game homestand with the first of three contests against the visiting Chicago White Sox on Monday. The Royals, who reside in the American League Central cellar and own the AL's worst offense, have scored 61 runs while winning eight of their last nine games at home.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis 8:15 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates might have waited a little too long to begin their hot streak but still have time to play spoiler and play for pride. The Pirates will try to earn their sixth straight win and throw a wrench into the National League wild card race when they visit the NL Central-rival St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.
Arizona at Colorado 8:40 PM ET
The tight race in the National League West continues Monday as the first-place Colorado Rockies begin a crucial four-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, who are looking to bounce back after dropping three of four to Atlanta over the weekend. Colorado, which never has won a division title, holds a one-half game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers and sits 2 1/2 ahead of the Diamondbacks.
Texas at LA Angels 10:07 PM ET
The Los Angeles Angels fell out of playoff contention weeks ago, but Mike Trout is playing like his team is in the middle of a thrilling pennant race. The two-time American League MVP looks to continue his hot streak Monday as the Angels begin a three-game series against the visiting Texas Rangers, who have lost four in a row and 10 of their last 13.
Atlanta at San Francisco 10:15 PM ET
The Atlanta Braves begin a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday full of momentum after two straight stirring victories that could propel them to the National League East crown. The Braves belted three homers during a six-run ninth inning to stun Arizona 9-5 on Sunday as they won three of the four contests in the set to extend their division lead over slumping Philadelphia to 4 ½ games.