There is a pattern emerging with the early MLB game schedule this season.  The early part of the week provides little joy, but the rest of the week offers a strong selection of top pitchers and a variety of different teams. 

We have eleven early games to enjoy live during the British evening this week, headlined on Thursday by a mouth-watering clash between the Dodgers and Phillies featuring Chad Billingsley and Cole Hamels (subject to the scheduled starters being changed)   Here’s your handy guide to the early games.  All times are listed in British Summer Time. 

Monday 11

There are only four games being played today, none of which begin before midnight.  Of those four, the standout is the contest between the Braves and Mets, with Derek Lowe and Johan Santana taking the mound at Citi Field (first pitch 00.05).

Tuesday 12

We come up empty again tomorrow, although there is a full slate of games later on.  The big game in the AL, if everything goes to plan, will see A.J. Burnett returning to the Rogers Centre to take on Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays (00.70).  No doubt A.J. will receive a warm welcome from the Toronto crowd.  In the senior circuit, Jake Peavy pitching against Rich Harden has the potential to be a barn-burner; however Harden’s performances have been mixed recently.  If he’s on top form, the fans at Wrigley will be in for a treat (01.05).

Wednesday 13

17.05. White Sox @ Indians – Richard (0-0), Lee (1-5)  
18.10. Braves @ Mets – Reyes (0-2), Niese (0-0) 
20.45. Nationals @ Giants – Martis (4-0), Zito (1-2)

Good old Wednesday comes up trumps again, providing three early games for us to enjoy. 

Cliff Lee really hasn’t pitched all that badly so far this season; he’s just having a tough run when it comes to the win-loss column.  Maybe his luck will turn in a home game against the White Sox. The Braves-Mets game brings together two relative unknowns in Jo-Jo Reyes and Jon Niese, while European baseball fans should be very familiar with the Nationals’ starter Shairon Martis.  The Dutch pitcher has been mightily impressive this season, even though he only pitched 5.1 innings in his last appearance.

Thursday 14

18.05. Marlins @ Brewers – Johnson (3-0), Bush (1-0) 
18.05. Dodgers @ Phillies – Billingsley (5-1), Hamels (1-2)  
18.10. Tigers @ Twins – Verlander (3-2), Baker (1-4)  
19.05. Mariners @ Rangers – Hernandez (4-2), Harrison (3-2) 
19.20. Padres @ Cubs – Gaudin (0-2), Wells (0-0) 
20.10. Astros @ Rockies – Rodriguez (3-2), Hammel (0-1) 
20.35. Red Sox @ Angels – Penny (3-1), Saunders (5-1)

‘Getaway’ Thursday produces seven early games and they all have a special quality about them.

The eye-catching clash is the Dodgers-Phillies game that sees one of the best young right-handers in the sport face off against one of the best young left-handers.   You then have a group of starters who were terrific last time out: the Marlins’ Josh Johnson, the Tigers’ Justin Verlander, the Twins’ Scott Baker, the Astros’ Wandy Rodriguez and the Angels’ Joe Saunders, the latter helping his team beat the seemingly unbeatable Zack Greinke. 

Things haven’t been going so well for King Felix Hernandez recently, but Seattle’s ace is a strong bet to bounce back quickly.  And there’s a bit of spice about the only game not yet mentioned, as Chad Gaudin goes back to the team who cut him from their roster earlier this season. 

Friday 15

19.20. Padres @ Cubs – Moehler (0-2), Dempster (2-2)

We finish the week with an early game thanks to the Cubbies.  The home team’s TV commentators, Len Kasper and Bob Brenly, are one of the best pairings around and if you don’t subscribe to MLB.tv then be sure to listen to the great combo of Pat Hughes and Ron Santo via Gameday Audio instead.

All the above games can be followed via various resources on MLB.com (Gameday, Gameday Audio and MLB.tv), while ESPN America’s MLB schedule can be found here.