Expert MLB Picks and Previews

Astros set sights on series split vs. Mariners Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith was absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, although he did enter as a defensive substitution in the top of the ninth before recording a single in the bottom of that inning to snap an 0-for-12 slump. Smith was stranded in the ninth before the Astros

Fresh off late rally, Padres chase series win vs. Brewers Behind left-hander Kyle Harrison, the Milwaukee Brewers will try to bounce back from a disheartening loss when they close their three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres on Thursday afternoon. Harrison (3-1, 2.41 ERA) will oppose San Diego right-hander Griffin Canning (0-1, 6.75) in the finale of the series,

Twins’ Byron Buxton out to continue power surge vs. Marlins Minnesota’s Byron Buxton is coming off a two-homer performance that gave him 15 home runs for the season. Twins manager Derek Shelton knows exactly what to do next: Leave him alone. The Twins hope Buxton can stay hot entering the rubber match of their three-game series against the Miami Marlins

Mets ride youth movement into series finale vs. struggling Tigers The kids are all right — and they just might be enough to save the New York Mets. Nolan McLean, one of three rookies playing key roles for the Mets, will look to help New York complete a sweep of its three-game interleague series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on

The San Francisco Giants stay in Los Angeles for another NL West matchup with the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is set for 10:10 p.m. ET, with coverage on MLB Network, SportsNet LA, and NBCS-BA. San Francisco enters at 18-25, while Los Angeles comes in at 25-18 and second in the NL West. Bettors comparing this

The Kansas City Royals finish their three-game road series against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night at Rate Field. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. ET, with Kansas City entering at 19-24 and fourth in the AL Central, while Chicago sits at 21-21 and second in the division. The White Sox have taken the first two games of

The Chicago Cubs visit the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night at Truist Park, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. ET. Chicago enters at 27-16 and still leads the NL Central, but the Cubs are trying to stop a four-game losing streak. Atlanta comes in at 30-13, first in the NL East, and already leads this series 2-0 after winning

The Philadelphia Phillies finish their three-game road series against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. ET, with coverage on MLB.TV. Philadelphia enters at 20-23 and third in the NL East, while Boston sits at 18-24 and fifth in the AL East. The series is tied 1-1 after the Phillies

The St. Louis Cardinals finish a three-game road series against the Athletics on Thursday afternoon at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBCS-CA, Cardinals.TV, and MLB.TV. St. Louis enters at 24-18 and third in the NL Central, while the Athletics come in at 22-20 and first in the AL