Weather to watchThunderstorms are in the forecast for multiple MLB games Saturday, including Seattle at New York, Miami at Washington and Arizona at Philadelphia.
Who’s hot?Arizona Diamondbacks – The D-backs have won four in a row heading into Saturday’s game against the Phillies. Arizona swept the Dodgers in three games and took the opener in Philadelphia Friday night.
Who’s not?Cleveland Indians – The Tribe are mired in a seven-game skid, losing their opener with the Tigers Friday night. Cleveland has been outscored 58-19 in that span and has played over the total in five of those games. The Indians haven't dropped eight straight games since stringing together 11 losses in a row from Sept. 13-24, 2009.
Key stat8-2 – Serena Williams owns an 8-2 head-to-head record versus Maria Sharapova, who she faces in the women’s tennis singles final Saturday. Williams opened as a -500 favorite over the Russian (+333).
Game of the dayPittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds (-133, 9)
Injury that shouldn’t be overlookedYoenis Cespedes, Oakland Athletics – The A’s could be without their standout center fielder after Cespedes left Friday’s game against Toronto with a sprained wrist. He’s listed as day-to-day but it is unknown how long he’ll be out of action. He’s hitting .310 BA with 14 home runs and 54 RBIs.
Notable quotable”Of course. I think there’s just something about getting into chlorine water that you just automatically go. (I didn't) during the races, but I sure did in warm-up.” -- USA swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte admitting he peed in the Olympic pool.
Betting news and notes-- The Blue Jays, losers of six in a row, haven't lost seven consecutive games since dropping nine in a row from May 19-27, 2009.
-- The Rangers used Alexi Ogando as closer on Friday with Joe Nathan unavailable after throwing over 30 pitches two straight nights. Texas will likely give Nathan a second straight day off Saturday.
-- MMA fighter Mike Swick makes his return to the UFC Saturday after a two-year hiatus due to an esophageal condition that made it difficult to train and fight. Swick is a -240 favorite over DaMarques Johnson (+185), who told the media he doesn’t game plan for any of his fights.
-- Clemson standout WR Sammy Watkins is expected to be suspended for the first two games of the season following his offseason drug arrest. The No. 14 Tigers are 3-point road favorite against the No. 25 Auburn Tigers on September 1. Watkins was second in receiving yards (1,225) in the ACC and caught 12 touchdown passes last season.