We’ve got eleven early games this week from MLB: a big improvement on last week’s group of four.  We only draw a blank on Tuesday and have postseason contenders in action on the other four days.  The games begin with a Cliff Lee start for the Phillies tonight and ends with a game between the Mets and Cubs on Friday.

All times are in BST. 

Monday 24 August

18.10: Phillies @ Mets – Lee (11-9), Parnell (3-5)
21.35. Brewers @ Nationals – Gallardo (11-10), TBD

We start off the week with two early games.  Cliff Lee has performed as brilliantly as expected since the Phillies added him to their rotation in a push to retain their World Series crown.  In contrast, the Mets will be sending out Bobby Parnell for just his fourth Major League start.

In the other game, the Brewers and Nationals finish off their series in the capital.  The Brewers have tailed off recently and need to start picking up some wins quickly if they want to get back into the race.  Yovani Gallardo gives them a good opportunity to do just that.

Tuesday 25 August

As per normal for Tuesday, there are no early MLB games tomorrow; however we have some excellent match-ups in the later games.  There’s a battle of the Sox (White and Red) at Fenway from 00.10 and a big series is also taking place in New York between the Rangers and Yankees (Millwood and Chamberlain at 00.05).

The top game in the National League sees the Dodgers facing the Rockies at Coors Field, with Clayton Kershaw and Jason Hammel on the mound (01.40).

Wednesday 26 August

19.10 Indians @ Royals – Huff (7-7), Hochevar (6-6)
20.35. Tigers @ Angels – Jackson (10-5), TBD

We have two early games on Wednesday, both coming from the American League.  The Indians and Royals are playing for pride right now as neither has a shot at a playoff berth.  That’s no surprise for Kansas City, but I wrongly predicted the Tribe would win the Central. The team that looks like it will take that prize is the Detroit Tigers, although the White Sox will push them all the way.  Detroit send Edwin Jackson out to face the Angels in what should be a fiercely contested game.

Thursday 27 August

18.05. Rangers @ Yankees – Nippert (4-2), TBD
18.10. Mets @ Marlins – TBD, Sanchez (2-4)
19.05. Reds @ Brewers – Owings (6-12), TBD
19.15. Astros @ Cardinals – TBD, TBD
19.20. Nationals @ Cubs – TBD, Wells (9-6)
20.10. Dodgers @ Rockies – Padilla (8-6), TBD

‘Getaway’ Thursday brings us six early games, all but one coming from the Senior circuit.  The lone AL offering should be a good one between the Yankees and Rangers. With Texas looking the best bet to beat the Red Sox to the Wild Card, there may be some in the Bronx who would be happy to give up a game or two to the Rangers. Those people won’t include any of the Yankee players.

The five NL games all include postseason hopefuls, so long as you have faith in the Brewers’ ability to mount a late run. Anibal Sanchez pitched brilliantly on his return to the Marlins’ rotation last time out against the Braves and Florida will be hoping for more of the same against the Mets.  St Louis continue to set the pace in the NL Central and the Astros are just about hanging in there as well.  Meanwhile the Dodgers are turning to Vicente Padilla to lead them past the Rockies.

Friday 28 August

19.20. Mets @ Cubs – TBD, Lilly (9-8)

We end the working week with a day game from Wrigley.  The game brings together two teams whose seasons haven’t gone according to plan.  It’s been a very disappointing year for the Mets as they have been ravaged by injuries to key players and are already looking towards 2010.  The Cubs still have hope for 2009, but their offense has struggled to get going for more than a few games at a time.  They need to find some form sooner rather than later if they are going to be playing in the postseason.

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.