Today in the MLB - Playoff Hopes Still Alive

MLB betting is in the home stretch but there is still plenty of value to be had. Some teams are packing it in for next year, while others are still battling for a spot in October. Here are a few of Tuesday's most intriguing matchups . . .

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels

This possible American League Championship Series preview kicked off in Los Angeles on Monday. Tuesday's Game 2 pits the Yankees’ Chad Gaudin against the Angels’ Ervin Santana. Gaudin has not recorded a loss since joining New York earlier in the summer. In his past three starts he has a 4.11 ERA and three no-decisions. However, he's done enough to help the Yankees to wins in each of those trips to the bump. New York heads into this series stumbling a bit, splitting its last six contests.

Los Angeles is home after a seven-game road swing that began in the Big Apple with a 5-3 defeat to the Yankees. The Angels have had trouble putting runs on the scoreboard this month but could be snapping out this funk heading into this week. They scored 10 runs in their series finale against the Texas Rangers, hitting four home runs. That's good news for Santana, who has performed well since the All-Star break (6-3, 4.26 ERA) but has watched his recent efforts spoiled by poor run support.

Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Marlins

These National League East rivals will play two on Tuesday. The Florida goes with righty Anibal Sanchez. He's pitched well since returning from injury in late August. In his last three outings Sanchez is 0-1 with a 2.87 ERA but has struggled to go deep into games.

The Phillies are hitting their postseason stride, winning eight of their last 10 games heading into Tuesday's doubleheader. Philadelphia's pitching has been superb during this stretch, posting a 2.38 ERA in the past week. They'll hand the ball to Joe Blanton in Game 1. The right-handed starter has a 3.31 ERA since the break and bounced back from a disastrous outing against Washington last weekend to get revenge on the Nats with a six-inning shutout effort on Wednesday. Veteran pitcher Jamie Moyer gets the ball in Game 2. The crafty lefthander has been used as a starter and a reliever in the past month. He's 2-2 against the Fish with a 2.63 ERA this season.

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians

The Tigers' current skid has cost them major ground in the American League Central. Detroit has watched its lead dwindle after losing six of its last 10 outings. The team halted a three-game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. The Tigers continue this road stretch in Cleveland, which they have dominated this season. Detroit has won 11 of its 15 meetings with the Tribe and boasts a 3.00 ERA versus its divisional rival. Starter Edwin Jackson gets the nod Tuesday. He has a 3-0 record and 2.74 ERA in four starts against Cleveland this year.

The Indians have dropped eight straight games heading into Tuesday's contests. They have struggled on both sides of the field. The offense mustered under three runs per game and hit .239 in the past week. On the mound, the Tribes' arms have allowed more than six runs per game during this stretch and are hoping the familiar surroundings of Progressive Field can snap this funk. Cleveland sends righty Justin Masterson to the bump; he's had trouble getting wins after making the move to the rotation since joining the Indians at the end of July.