The Twins open a four-game series in Cleveland, trailing the Guardians by 6 1/2 games. Minnesota needs a sweep and some help to have a chance at the AL Central title. Pablo Lopez opens the series against Matthew Boyd. Lopez pitched great since June 23rd, going 9-2 with a 2.32 ERA, giving up just 17 walks in 89 1/3 innings. Boyd makes just his seventh start of the season, so far posting a 2.18 ERA in 33 innings.
The Dodgers and Braves finish up their wraparound series with Yoshinobu Yamamoto facing Max Fried. Yamamoto makes his second start since returning from the illjured list. He allowed one unearned run in four inning against the Cubs in his return, striking out eight. Fried’s strikeout rate is down and his walk rate is up, leading to an ERA over a run higher than last season.
First place teams spar in Milwaukee and as the Phillies visit the Brewers. The Brewers stand four games behind Philadelphia in the for best record in the league. Ranger Suarez and Aaron Civale take the hill. Suarez had a rough second half of the season, posting a 6.02 ERA in his last eight games, giving up 53 hits in 40 1/3 innings. Civale posted a 5.08 ERA this season playing for the Rays, but dropped that to 3.84 in eleven starts with the Brewers. He cut down on his hits allowed.
Enjoy!