We’ve got five early games today, including CC Sabathia facing a former team and a marquee match-up from the AL West. All times are in BST.
18.05. Cleveland at NY Yankees (David Huff – CC Sabathia)
CC faces his former team for the third time coming off the back of a disappointing outing against the Mets last Sunday. The Yankees won the series opener last night, riding a Robinson Cano grand slam in the seventh inning to take the game 8-2.
18.07. Baltimore at Toronto (Chris Tillman – Brett Cecil)
They may be ‘the other two’ in the AL East right now, but this should be a fascinating encounter. Chris Tillman is a highly touted prospect, bringing a sinking fastball and excellent curve alongside a decent change-up. He got hit about a bit in his twelve Major Leaugue starts last year and began this season in Triple-A, but his star still burns very brightly and he looks set to be called up to face Toronto today. As for the Blue Jays’ starter, Cecil is in very good form and shutout the Angels over 7.1 innings in his last performance.
21.00. Seattle at LA Angels (Felix Hernandez – Jered Weaver)
It’s a marquee match-up from the AL West as two aces collide in Anaheim. Cliff Lee struck out 10 over 8 innings as the M’s won the opener last night 8-3 and Seattle have altered their rotation so that King Felix will follow Lee’s outing. That’s the 1-2 punch that made many expect great things from the team this year, but Lee spent the first month on the Disabled List and Hernandez hasn’t quite been his regal self lately. Lee is now back pitching brilliantly and if Hernandez can start to dominate teams like he is capable of doing, the M’s fightback could be on.
21.10. Texas at Minnesota (C.J. Wilson – Carl Pavano)
Another chance to catch a game being played at the beautiful new Target Field. The Twins edged past the Rangers 2-1 yesterday, but both offences are capable of putting up big numbers on any given day. Wilson has been an effective addition to Texas’ rotation this season, although his last two starts have been something of a struggle. Pavano took a loss last time out against the Brewers, giving up two homers but pitching eight innings.
21.10. St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (Adam Ottavino – Carlos Silva) * ESPN America
The latest series in this long rivalry began yesterday with a 7-1 win by the visiting team. The Cards waffled Cubs starter Randy Wells for five quick runs, sending him back to the showers without recording a single out. With Chris Carpenter pitching well for the Cards, the Cubs never recovered and it was a routine win for St. Louis. Chicago will look to bounce back today with the 6-0 (yes, really!) Carlos Silva.
All the above games can be followed via various resources on MLB.com (Gameday, At Bat with Gameday Audio and MLB.tv), while ESPN America is broadcasting the Cardinals-Cubs game live from 21.00. A complete schedule of MLB games can be found on MLB.com