The Rays go with opener Ryne Stanek against the Mets ace Jacob deGrom. Stanek makes his 10th open, owning a 1.42 ERA in that role. He’s allowed five hits, and six walks in 12 opening innings, striking out 15. Stanek is fast becoming the poster child for the strategy. deGrom is only 5-4 despite a Major League leading 1.84 ERA. The Mets lost eight of the starts in which deGrom allowed no more than two runs.

The Braves and Brewers offer another good pitching match-up as Mike Foltynewicz faces Freddy Peralta. Foltynewicz is second in the majors to deGrom in ERA on the road. His low ERA comes from few hits allowed, just 29 in 43 2/3 innings. Peralta, a true rookie, struck out 40 in his first 27 2/3 innings, holding opponents to just 12 hits.

The Dodgers quietly moved into first place Thursday night with the Arizona loss to San Diego. The head south to Anaheim to take on the Angels with Kenta Maeda facing Felix Pena. Maeda pitched poorly on the road this season in terms of ERA, 4.30. His three true outcomes are consistent home and road, however. The big difference is batting with men in scoring position. Opponents own a .269/.364/.577 slash line when Maeda is away, .174/.250/.196 when he is home. Six of the seven runs Pena allowed came on the three home runs off him. He just needs to keep the ball in the park!

Enjoy!