Given the number of pitchers with high ERAs schedule to start on Sunday, the pink bats may get a good workout.

Texas sends Wandy Rodriguez against Tampa Bay and Jake Odorizzi. Rodriguez is off to a good start, his 16 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings helping to cover up his high walk and home run rates. Odorizzi, however, has yet to allow a home run in 40 2/3 innings, the most innings this season without allowing a long ball. What makes that interesting is that Odorizzi is a fly ball pitcher. He’s allowing a lower percentage than usual, but he still lets batters put the ball in the air. Throughout his career, however, batters have been more likely to pop one up than pop one out.

Jesse Chavez tries to right the ship for Oakland against Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. A four-game losing streak puts the Athletics at 12-20, the second worst record in the American League. Chavez owns a 1.80 ERA thanks to strength in all three-true outcomes. In addition, he holds batters to a .139 BA with runners on base this season. King Felix seldom pitches a season where his win total reflects his great ERA. That may be changing this season as he is off to a 5-0 start, with just one no-decision. At age 29 he may be at the height of his endurance. Note how his batting average allowed doesn’t fall off in the late innings.

Finally, the Royals and Tigers play the rubber game of their series, the winner claiming first place in the AL Central. Chris Young takes on Shane Greene. Young worked six games out of the bullpen this year, but his one start came against the Tigers. He held them scoreless for five innings, striking out nine. Greene gave up just two runs in his first three starts, then teams figured him out. He allowed 20 runs in his last three starts. His walk and home run rates are excellent, he simply does not strike out enough batters to prevent hits.

Enjoy!