The teams projected to be the two best in the NL East meet in Philadelphia as the Braves send Spencer Strider against the Phillies and Zack Wheeler. Since the start of the 2022 season, Strider owns the highest K per 9 among pitchers with 300 innings. His 13.66 K/9 is well ahead of second place Blake Snell who comes in at 11.83. Strider also boasts low walk and home run rates in that time. Wheeler brings a long and successful history against the Braves to the game. In 27 starts he went 12-7 with a 3.18 ERA.

The Yankees and Astros continue their series in Houston with Carlos Rodon taking on Cristian Javier. Injuries took their toll on all of Rodon’s three true outcomes in 2023. This bring, only his ability to prevent walks seemed to return. The Astros’ offense is a tough test for any pitcher, so a good outing today will be an excellent sign for the starter. Javier also saw all his three-true outcomes degrade in 2023 compared to 2022. His ERA was more in line with his first two seasons than his excellent 2022, so maybe the league adjusted to whatever changes he made to show an improvement.

Finally, Nick Pivetta and the Red Sox face George Kirby and the Mariners. Pivetta, for his career owns an ERA 0.8 runs higher than his xFIP. Is it bad luck or bad defense? He has performed poorly with men on base through his career, especially when it comes to allowing extra-base hits. Kirby’s strength comes from his extreme ability to limit walks, just 1.15 per 9 IP in his short career.

Enjoy!