There\u00c2\u00a0is a pattern\u00c2\u00a0emerging with the early MLB game schedule\u00c2\u00a0this season.\u00c2\u00a0 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.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
We have eleven early games to enjoy live during the British evening this week, headlined\u00c2\u00a0on Thursday by\u00c2\u00a0a mouth-watering clash between the Dodgers and Phillies featuring Chad\u00c2\u00a0Billingsley and Cole Hamels (subject to the scheduled starters being changed)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Here’s your handy guide to\u00c2\u00a0the early games. \u00c2\u00a0All times are listed in British Summer Time.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Monday 11<\/strong><\/p>\n There are only four games being played today, none of which begin before midnight.\u00c2\u00a0 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).<\/p>\n Tuesday 12<\/strong><\/p>\n We come up empty again tomorrow, although there is a full slate of games later on.\u00c2\u00a0 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).\u00c2\u00a0 No doubt A.J. will receive a warm welcome from the Toronto crowd.\u00c2\u00a0 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.\u00c2\u00a0 If he’s on top form, the fans at Wrigley will be in for a treat (01.05).<\/p>\n Wednesday 13<\/strong><\/p>\n 17.05. White Sox @ Indians – Richard (0-0), Lee (1-5)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Good old Wednesday comes up trumps again, providing three early games for us to enjoy.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00c2\u00a0 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.\u00c2\u00a0 The Dutch pitcher has been mightily impressive this season, even though he only pitched 5.1 innings in his last appearance.<\/p>\n Thursday 14<\/strong><\/p>\n 18.05. Marlins @ Brewers – Johnson (3-0), Bush (1-0)\u00c2\u00a0 ‘Getaway’ Thursday produces seven early games and they all have a special quality about them.<\/p>\n 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.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 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.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n Things haven’t been going so well for King Felix Hernandez recently, but Seattle’s ace is a strong bet to bounce back quickly.\u00c2\u00a0 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.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n Friday 15<\/strong><\/p>\n 19.20. Padres @ Cubs – Moehler (0-2), Dempster (2-2)<\/p>\n We finish the week with an early game thanks to the Cubbies.\u00c2\u00a0 The home team’s TV commentators, Len Kasper and Bob Brenly, are one of the best pairings around and if you don’t\u00c2\u00a0subscribe to\u00c2\u00a0MLB.tv then be sure to listen to the great combo of Pat Hughes and Ron Santo via Gameday Audio instead.<\/p>\n
\n18.10. Braves @ Mets – Reyes (0-2), Niese (0-0)\u00c2\u00a0
\n20.45. Nationals @ Giants – Martis (4-0), Zito (1-2)<\/p>\n
\n18.05. Dodgers @ Phillies – Billingsley (5-1), Hamels (1-2)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n18.10. Tigers @ Twins – Verlander (3-2), Baker (1-4)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n19.05. Mariners @ Rangers – Hernandez (4-2), Harrison (3-2)\u00c2\u00a0
\n19.20. Padres @ Cubs – Gaudin (0-2), Wells (0-0)\u00c2\u00a0
\n20.10. Astros @ Rockies – Rodriguez (3-2), Hammel (0-1)\u00c2\u00a0
\n20.35. Red Sox @ Angels – Penny (3-1), Saunders (5-1)<\/p>\n