MLB viewing guide: Thursday schedule spotlight
Yu Darvish vs. Justin Verlander, and more aces where those came from in Thursday’s action around the league.
Day | Home SP | Visit. SP | Time | Where |
16-May | Alex Cobb (4-2), 3.09 ERA, 3.77 FIP | Felix Doubront (3-1), 6.40 ERA, 2.83 FIP | 7:10 pm ET | NESN, Sun Sports |
The Rays lost ace David Price to a triceps injury Wednesday night, and they might drop a home series to the Red Sox if Cobb and the offense don't step up. Fortunately, their opposition tonight is much less imposing than Lester. Though Lester was a lefty as well, Tampa has still hit southpaws better than righties -- .286/.346/.437 vs. .243/.320/.406. The Rays have struggled so much on the road this year that winning each home series becomes even more essential.
Day | Home SP | Visit. SP | Time | Where |
16-May | Jose Fernandez (2-2), 3.65 ERA, 3.18 FIP | Mat Latos (4-0), 3.04 ERA, 3.34 FIP | 7:10 pm ET | FOX Sports-Ohio, FOX Sports-Florida |
Latos and Fernandez are two of the more exciting pitchers under-25 in the majors right now, with the Marlins’ rookie closer to his teenager years than he is to 25. Latos could dominate the Miami lineup, but Fernandez will likely have a more difficult time against a strong Reds offense that is arguably the best in the National League even without Ryan Ludwick around.
Day | Home SP | Visit. SP | Time | Where |
16-May | Yu Darvish (6-1), 2.73 ERA, 2,41 FIP | Justin Verlander (4-3), 1.93 ERA, 2.10 FIP | 8:05 pm ET | MLB Network, FOX Sports-Detroit, FOX Sports-Southwest |
This match-up of aces could very well end up being one of the best of the year, given Verlander’s reputation and Darvish’s punch out feats. Verlander has given up just one homer, but Darvish has been striking out hitters at a tremendous pace just under 14 per nine.
Day | Home SP | Visit. SP | Time | Where |
16-May | Jhoulys Chacin (3-2), 2.70 ERA, 3.05 FIP | Matt Cain (2-2), 5.04 ERA, 4.92 FIP | 8:40 pm ET | CSBA, ROOT Sports |
Matt Cain has to figure himself out eventually... right? Tim Lincecum fell apart last year, and Ryan Vogelsong is assuming that role in 2013. The Giants can't afford their $127.5 million investment struggling in the first season of that extension. They're still on top of the NL West, but it will be difficult to stay there with all three on the skids.
Day | Home SP | Visit. SP | Time | Where |
16-May | Edinson Volquez (3-3), 5.15 ERA, 4.78 FIP | Stephen Strasburg (1-5), 3.10 ERA, 3.36 FIP | 10:10 pm ET | MASN, FOX Sports-San Diego |
Surprisingly, Stephen Strasburg has yet to make a start in his hometown of San Diego. Barring an unexpected injury, that will happen tonight after 53 starts in the pros. Strasburg had an incredible 1.59 ERA and 13.9 K/9 in three years at San Diego State while becoming one of the most hyped draft picks of all time. He would certainly like to relive those SDSU days by posting similar numbers against the Padres tonight.
