Chris Carpenter takes the mound for the first time this season as the Cardinals face the Cubs Friday afternoon. Carpenter, if indeed healthy, would be a great addition to the Red Birds rotation, especially come playoff time. He showed over the years that he’s a big-game pitcher, with a 9-2 record in 15 post-season starts, owning a 3.05 ERA.

The Yankees and Athletics battle for the better record as Jarrod Parker takes on CC Sabathia. At this point, it’s likely the Yankees, Orioles and Athletics all make the playoffs. Having the better record becomes important in determining which team gets to fly a long distance for the wild card game, and even in determining division winners. Oakland is still very much in the hunt for the AL West title.

Parker has trouble with the long ball away from Oakland. He allowed three homers in 94 innings at home, six homers in 67 1/3 innings on the road. He may not find Yankee Stadium a friendly place. Sabathia has mixed results since returning from injury. He only walked five batters in 34 1/3 innings, but allowed six home runs. He also allowed a .333 BA with men in scoring position.

Milwaukee sends Shaun Marcum against Washington and Edwin Jackson, the Brewers battling for a playoff spot, the Nats fighting for the best record in the league. Washington does not have an easy last two weeks of the season, as all four series involve teams fighting for the second wild card slot. Marcum is having a rough September, as four home runs in 14 2/3 innings helped him to a 7.36 ERA in three stars. Jackson has an ERA over seven in the month also, despite allowing just two home runs and four walks in 15 2/3 innings while striking out 17. The balls in play against him are falling for hits. as he allowed 20 in those games.

Enjoy!