Tuesday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

STREAKING

Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds (9-6, 3.53 ERA)

Bailey is a major reason why the Reds are 17-2 since the All-Star break and riding a 10-game winning streak into Monday. The righty hasn’t taken a loss since June 27 and is 4-0 in his last five starts. The right-hander has a 1.43 ERA over five July starts and should continue to dominate in his next start against the lowly Padres. 

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals (10-2, 2.71 ERA)

Lohse has emerged as the staff ace in the absence of Chris Carpenter. The 33-year-old hasn’t given up more than two runs in any of his last seven starts and owns a 2.36 ERA in July. The right-hander hasn’t taken a loss since June 15, and the Cardinals are 5-1 in his last six starts. His next outing is on the road in Colorado.

SLUMPING

James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays (8-7, 4.52 ERA)

Shields continues to be the subject of trade rumors with the Tuesday deadline approaching. The Rays reportedly declined a trade offer for the big righty from the Angels on Thursday that would have sent speedy outfielder Peter Bourjos to Tampa Bay. Shields hasn’t responded well to the rumors, allowing 22 earned runs in 32 July innings. If Shields is still in a Rays’ uniform Tuesday, he’ll take the mound against the red-hot A’s. 

Derek Lowe, Cleveland Indians (8-9, 5.09 ERA)

Since starting the season 6-1, Lowe is 2-8 with a 7.59 ERA over his last 12 starts. The sinker-baller has taken the loss in his last three outings, surrendering 16 earned runs in 15 innings pitched. With the Indians losing ground in the Wild Card race, manager Manny Acta is considering skipping Lowe’s next turn in the rotation if he doesn’t put together a strong performance against the Royals on Tuesday.