With huge playoff implications on the line, the AL West champion Angels play host to the Wild-Card aspiring Mariners, as both teams' best pitchers toe the rubber. In what could be a preview of the ALDS matchup (Mariners make Wild Card, and then win that game), Felix Hernandez will square off against Jered Weaver.
MLB Thursday viewing guide: Angels host Mariners in Anaheim
A possible LDS preview is on tap between the AL West rivals.
Jeff Gross
Hernandez seems to have a stranglehold on the AL Cy Young award in what's been the best statistical season of his career, and he boasts at 2-0 record and a 1.25 ERA in three 2014 meetings with the Angels. For his part, Weaver leads the American League in both wins (17) and starts (32). He's already surpassed the 200-inning barrier, and with Garrett Richards out, re-assumes the mantle of the team's best pitcher.
Thursday’s MLB schedule
| Time (ET) | Game | TV | Reason to watch |
3:35 p.m. | Rangers at Athletics | FS Southwest, CSN-CA | Sonny Gray has actually been better on the road this season, with a 2.75, compared to 3.58 at home |
| 7:05 p.m. | Red Sox at Pirates | NESN, ROOT | Rusney Castillo went 1-4 in his MLB debut last night |
| 7:05 p.m. | Blue Jays at Yankees | SNO, YES | R.A. Dickey is looking to cross the 200 IP threshold for the fourth consecutive season |
| 7:10 p.m. | Nationals at Marlins | MASN, FSN-Florida | Brad Hand is coming off of two consecutive quality starts |
| 8:05 p.m. | Dodgers at Cubs | SNLA, CSN-Chicago | The Dodgers lead the Cubs in the all-time series 1,035-1,026-14. |
| 8:10 p.m. | Indians at Astros | SportsTime Ohio, CSN-Houston | Scott Feldman has produced quality starts in 12 of his last 15 starts. |
| 8:15 p.m. | Brewers at Cardinals | FSN-Wisconsin, FSN-Midwest | Shelby Miller is on a run, allowing only three runs over his last 27 innings. |
| 8:40 p.m. | Diamondbacks at Rockies | FSN-Arizona, ROOT | The Rockies have scored 26 runs over their last two games. |
| 9:10 p.m. | Phillies at Padres | CSN-Philadelphia, FSN-San Diego | This game has zero playoff implications. |
| 10:05 p.m. | Mariners at Angels | ROOT, FSN-West | Potential ALDS matchup between Felix and Weaver tonight. |
- Andrew Rice of Lookout Landing looks back at the Mariners' best moments in 2014.
- McCovey Chronicles' Grant Brisbee wonders if the Giants will offer Pablo Sandoval three years.
- The Royals took down Chris Sale last night, thanks in part to the unstoppable Norichika Aoki, writes Royals Review's Matthew LaMar
Nori Aoki is 3-for-3 tonight and 11-for-12 in the series. The 11 hits are a new club record for a three-game series!
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 18, 2014 See More:
