The Rays try to gain on the Yankees again as they send Jeremy Hellickson against Freddy Garcia. Hellickson has a tendency to give up home runs, which might be a problem against a power hitting team like the Yankees. Garcia allowed seven of his nine home runs in Yankee Stadium, so despite their low ERAs, this game has a chance to be a slugfest. Derek Jeter also needs just two hits to reach 3000.

It’s the old against the young as Brandon Beachy faces Roy Halladay as the Braves visit the Philies. Atlanta sits 2 1/2 games back in the division, but five games up in the wild card race, so they’ll be playing for home field advantage. Beachy’s been peachy since returning from the disabled list, walking three and striking out 26 in 17 innings of work. Halladay’s 2.44 ERA exactly matches his mark from 2010, his first year with the Phillies, and his 1.03 WHIP is 0.01 better than last year.

The Orioles send Zach Britton against Josh Beckett and the Red Sox at Fenway. Britton’s ERA is 4.54 on the road, due mostly to a much higher walk rate. That’s doesn’t sound like a good matchup against a selective team like the Red Sox. Beckett has not allowed a home run at Fenway this season.

That Athletics hope they can score a run and Gio Gonzalez can pitch a shutout against the Rangers. Oakland scored two runs or less in eight of Gio’s starts, going 2-6 in those games (both 1-0 victories). C.J. Wilson takes the mound for Texas, and he is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA against Oakland this season.

Finally, Ian Kennedy takes on Kyle Lohse as the Diamondbacks battle the Cardinals. Kennedy is especially effective on the road this season with a 3.23 ERA and a 5-1 record. He did get knocked around in his only start against St. Louis this season, giving up nine runs in three innings. Lohse held opponents to a .199 BA with runners on base.

Enjoy!