The best series of the week starts on Monday as first place is on the line in the National League Central. Milwaukee dropped two of three in Houston but it has won nine of its last 11 to pull within a game of the Cubs. Chicago is just 22-30 on the road this season and this is the first visit to Milwaukee this year. The Brewers have won four of the first six meetings and send C.C. Sabathia to the hill. He is a 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA since coming from Cleveland and even though this is a big price, it is the only way to go.

Tuesday, July 29th

Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox 7:05 PM ET

The Angels and Red Sox continue their series on Tuesday in what could be a possible playoff preview for a second straight season. Boston comes into this series with the best home record in baseball while Los Angeles comes in with the best overall record in baseball so something will have to give. John Lackey takes the hill for the Angels and he tamed Boston in his first meeting this season but that was at home. In seven starts at Fenway Park, he is 1-4 with a 7.46 ERA and 2.03 WHIP. Don't expect a change.

Wednesday, July 30th

St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves 7:10 PM ET

The Cardinals entered the week trailing the Cubs by four games in the National League Central and if a charge is going to be made, it may start tonight. Chris Carpenter will be making his season debut and his first start since opening day of last season. He will be limited to about 90 pitches but his presence alone can be a huge lift. Jair Jurrjens gets the opposing call for the Braves and he continues to shine. He is 10-5 with a 3.02 ERA on the season and he has allowed no runs in four of his last seven starts. Possible value in him here.

Thursday, July 31st

Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins 8:10 PM ET

Chicago and Minnesota conclude their four-game series on Thursday in what could be a huge matter in the division. The week started with the White Sox holding a 2.5-game lead over Minnesota. The Twins are happy to be back home as they have won 15 of their last 18 games played in the Metrodome. That sets up well as the host has taken nine of the 11 meetings this season. John Danks and Scott Baker square off and the over might be worth a look as the two have a combined 15.50 ERA in their careers against the opposition.

Friday, August 1st

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:40 PM ET

The Diamondbacks were at one point looking like they were going to run away with the division but they have fallen back to the pack. On May 16th, they were 12 games over .500 and 5.5 games in front of the Dodgers. At the start of this week, they were just two games over .500 and only a game up on Los Angeles. After winning four of the first five meetings this season, Arizona dropped two of three in the set played at home last week and bring in a dismal 23-29 road record.

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