Preview Roundups
September 22, 2016
Detroit at Minnesota 2:10 PM ET
Detroit's Justin Verlander regularly records victories against Minnesota and looks to make it 12 wins in his last 13 decisions when the Tigers visit the Twins on Thursday for a split doubleheader. Verlander will start the nightcap of the pivotal twinbill for Detroit, which is one game behind Baltimore for the American League's second wild card.
Boston at Baltimore 7:05 PM ET
The Boston Red Sox have trimmed their magic number to clinch the American League East down to six and can now turn their focus toward earning the best record in the AL. The Red Sox will try to pull off their second straight four-game sweep over a division contender when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the series finale on Thursday.
Kansas City at Cleveland 7:10 PM ET
The Cleveland Indians officially eliminated the Kansas City Royals from contention in the American League Central and has only one more team to check off the list before beginning the celebration. The Indians will try to shave another game off their magic number and earn a three-game sweep when they host the Royals in the series finale on Thursday.
NY Yankees at Tampa Bay 7:10 PM ET
Rookie Gary Sanchez looks to continue his assault on major-league pitching when the visiting New York Yankees go for a three-game sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. The 23-year-old Sanchez belted his 18th and 19th home runs in the Yankees’ 11-5 victory on Wednesday – his 43rd game of the season -- and has hit safely in six consecutive contests.
Atlanta at Miami 7:10 PM ET
Becoming a father has not slowed down Freddie Freeman’s assault on National League pitching, something the first baseman hopes to continue when his Atlanta Braves open a four-game set Thursday at the Miami Marlins. Freeman, whose first child was born Sept. 15, brings a career-best 25-game hitting streak into the series opener as Atlanta – which has won five in a row – hopes to continue its better play as the 2016 season draws to a close.
Philadelphia at NY Mets 7:10 PM ET
The New York Mets were afforded a soft schedule to close out the season as they make their playoff push, but they have not taken complete advantage. After losing three straight at home against the worst team in the National League, the Mets will try to bounce back when they open a four-game set at home against another of the division's lightweights - the Philadelphia Phillies - on Thursday.
Detroit at Minnesota 8:10 PM ET
Detroit's Justin Verlander regularly records victories against Minnesota and looks to make it 12 wins in his last 13 decisions when the Tigers visit the Twins Thursday's split doubleheader. Verlander will start the nightcap of the pivotal twinbill for Detroit, which is one game behind Baltimore for the American League's second wild card.
LA Angels at Houston 8:10 PM ET
The Houston Astros have dominated the visiting Los Angeles Angels this season and look for their 12th victory in 13 meetings on Thursday as they begin their four-game series. Houston also has won seven consecutive home games against the Angels entering this crucial series at Minute Maid Park.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee 8:10 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates have not yet given up on reaching the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, winning six of their last seven contests. The red-hot Sean Rodriguez leads the Pirates as they attempt to complete a three-game sweep and win for the seventh straight time at Miller Park when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.
Colorado at LA Dodgers 10:10 PM ET
Los Angeles right fielder Yasiel Puig was demoted to the minors just last month, but the Dodgers’ most polarizing player has homered four times since his return and appears primed to play a key role in the team's postseason run. Puig looks to continue building momentum Thursday as the Dodgers begin a four-game series against the visiting Colorado Rockies, who have won four of their last six.
San Francisco at San Diego 10:10 PM ET
With their faint hopes of winning the National League West all but gone, the San Francisco Giants have turned their full attention toward the surprisingly tight wild-card race. The Giants had the majors’ best record at the All-Star break but now find themselves in a three-way tie with St. Louis and the New York Mets for two wild-card spots as they begin a four-game series Thursday against the host San Diego Padres.