Colby Lewis is in complete control early in the season. Photo: © Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

The Tigers try to earn a split with the Rangers at Comerica Park as Colby Lewis faces rookie Drew Smyly. Lewis brings a K/BB of 22 into the game, having walked just one batter in his first 19 2/3 innings. He has allowed 20 hits, but with the low walk total his OBP allowed is just .278. Six of the eight extra base hits he allowed came with the bases empty, limiting the damage. Smyly is putting batters on base with a .364 opposition OBP. They are only one for ten with runners in scoring position, however, which accounts for his 0.90 ERA.

Tim Lincecum tries to straighten himself out against Dillon Gee as the Giants play the Mets. Looking at the Weather Channel, however, the game might not get played. Miami at Washington is already postponed, and the Yankees and Red Sox may get called early as well. Tim’s strikeouts and walks are fine, which is a very positive sign, but he’s giving up a ton of hits. While it might be the defense, the fact that 11 of the 22 hits Tim allowed have gone for extra bases points more to Lincecum serving up meatballs. Gee’s control is outstanding, with 2 walks and 11 K in 12 1/3 innings this season. If that rate holds up, it would be a huge improvement over 2011.

Kyle Lohse and Erik Bedard battle in Pittsburgh as the Cardinals and Pirates play the rubber game of their series. Lohse stepped up to take the ace mantle after the injury to Chris Carpenter and the ineffectiveness of Adam Wainwright. Opponents generated only eight plate appearances with runners in scoring position against Lohse, and have one hit and one walk in those situations. Bedard is 0-3 despite a 2.65 ERA. The Pirates scored just two runs in total during his three starts.

Chad Billingsley meets Wandy Rodriguez in a match-up of sub-2.00 ERA pitchers. Chad hung a couple of pitches, as the only runs against him came on the two home runs he allowed. He’s holding the opposition to a .205 OBP, so they don’t get many chances to score. Rodriguez, a southpaw, is shutting down right-handed batters with a .204/.241/.241 slash line.

Finally, the Blue Jays send Ricky Romero against the reeling Royals and Danny Duffy. Ricky showed some wildness this season, walking eight in 19 1/3 innings, but he’s holding hitters to a .212 BA. Duffy is performing like a power pitcher, with 15 K in his first 12 2/3 innings.

Enjoy!