The Mariners go for a sweep of the Yankees as they send Ryan Rowland-Smith against CC Sabathia. The Hyphen saw all three of his true outcomes go south this season, especially his home run rate. It’s the highest in the majors this year among pitchers with at least 60 IP. Milliliter is undefeated at home this season, posting a 2.57 ERA in seven starts.

The Mets might be a bit tired tonight as they open a weekend series in Washington. Due to rain delays, they played past midnight in Puerto Rico, then needed to make the long flight to Washington. Johan Santana stayed with the team rather than traveling ahead. He’ll face Livan Hernandez. Santana looks like he’s wearing out anyway as the year progresses:

Hernandez is posting the best ERA of his career at 3.10. Almost all the power hits against him come with the bases empty, lessening their impact.

Playoff contenders Tampa Bay and Minnesota open a series at Target Field with Jeff Niemann facing Carl Pavano. Jeff upped his strikeout rate slightly and lowered his walk rate to bring down his ERA over a run. Pavano is coming off a great June in which he and his mustache held hitters to a .186 BA, helping him to a 2.25 ERA.

Finally, the Rangers and Angels play the rubber game of their series as C.J. Wilson takes on Jered Weaver. Wilson does an even better job of limiting power outside of Arlington, giving up a .327 slugging percentage at home, .285 on the road. Weaver leads the majors in strikeouts per nine innings, although his .225 BA allowed seems high for a strikeout rate over ten. The usually fine Angels defense ranks 13th in the AL this season, their poor range likely adding hits to Weaver’s total.

Enjoy!