Friday: Red Sox LHP Chris Sale vs. Astros RHP Gerrit Cole
This has to be one of the best pitching match ups of the year so far. The Red Sox and Yankees might be the best rivalry but everyone who we thought could potentially match Sale for the Yankees has faltered. Chris Sale actually got knocked around pretty good to the tune of six runs in 4.1 innings in his last start against the Braves. That’s probably more a testament to the Braves than a knock against Sale. Sale will look to rebound against the hard-hitting Astros line up.
Gerrit Cole takes the bump against the equal potent Red Sox lineup in the matchup of titans. Although Cole’s record is slightly worse at home than on the road, he’s no slouch with a 1-1 record with a 2.41 ERA. The Cy Young candidate will look to pitch his 11 quality start in in 12 attempts.
Saturday: Dodgers RHP Walker Buehler vs. Rockies RHP German Marquez
If this matchup looks familiar, its because its already happened once before to thrilling results. These two pitchers had nearly identical pitching lines last time they meet on May 21stin Chavez Ravine. The Rookie of the Year candidate pitched seven strong innings giving up two hits and a home run. Guess what? Rox German Marquez did the exact same and the bullpens decided that game. What starting pitcher will be the difference in this match up?
Sunday: Yankees LHP CC Sabathia vs. Orioles RHP Dylan Bundy
Long ago, CC Sabathia used to dominate the Orioles. At one point, he was 12-1. The Orioles under Buck Showalter have been a different team though and that record has come slightly back to earth to 19-10. Last year, CC had a 7.41 ERA against the O’s. Now the 37 year old has to step up against the team he once dominated because the rest of the Yankees rotation is struggling and they need to keep pace with the Red Sox.
For Dylan Bundy, it’s simple. Don’t give up the home run. In his last 5 starts, every run he’s given up is courtesy of the long ball. So the lesson is STOP DOING THAT.
