The Cubs and Pirates open a series in Pittsburgh, the Cubs just 1 1/2 games behind the Pirates for third place in the NL Central, the Cubs only four games out of first place. Drew Smyly takes on Osvaldo Bido. Smyly’s ERA is about a run better than his FIPs, mostly due to allowing a .183 BA with men in scoring position. Bido made a successful first start in the majors, striking out six and allowing one run in four innings. At seasonal age 27, he is not a prospect, and was quite wild in the minors.

First place teams square off in Milwaukee as Merrill Kelly leads the Diamondbacks against Corbin Burnes and the Brewers. Kelly’s nine home runs allowed come mostly from his home ballpark, as he allowed just two of his seven on the road. That helped him to a 5-0 record away with a 2.12 ERA. Burnes returned to his low walk ways in June, posting a 2.70 ERA for the month.

Finally, the Padres face the Giants with Michael Wacha battling Ryan Walker. Wacha allowed just six home runs in 74 2/3 innings, helping him to a 2.89 ERA. The rookie Walker makes his first MLB start after eleven relief appearances. Given that he made three short starts in the minors this year, the Giants look to use him as an opener. He walked two and struck out 15 batters in 14 2/3 relief innings.

Enjoy!