The Yankees face the struggling Mets with Gerrit Cole taking on Justin Verlander. Cole pretty much earns the free agent salary he negotiated before the 2020 season. Since that time, he ranks second in Cy Young Points, 188.7, a measure of how writers would see the pitcher as a Cy Young candidate. He strikes out batters, keeps his walks low, but gives up the occasional home run. The Mets seem less likely to recoup their investment in Verlander. There was talk last year of him pitching for many more years. At age 40, however, all three of his true outcomes moved in the wrong direction. The fall appears to have come sooner than later.

Washington continues their series in Houston with Josiah Gray facing Framber Valdez. Gray dropped his ERA over 1.5 runs versus his career average by getting a handle of home runs allowed. He reversed his ground ball/fly ball percentages. He added a two seam fastball to his four seam model, and is throwing more sliders as well. Valdez, over the length of his career, is the best pitcher in the majors at keeping the ball in the park.

Finally, Eury Perez of the Marlins battles Luis Castillo of the Mariners. The rookie Perez is off to a low ERA start with a 2.17 mark in 29 innings. His walks and home runs are a bit high, but opponents are just 4 for 43 against him with runners in scoring position. With 92 K in 76 2/3 innings, Castillo limits hits well, with just 59 allowed for a .207 opposition BA and a .258 opposition OBP.

Enjoy!