We’ve settled into a pattern with the early MLB games.\u00c2\u00a0 The opening part of the week is fairly quiet, with most (if not all) games being played at night.\u00c2\u00a0 The second half of the week brings more joy for Brits hoping to catch some MLB games live at a convenient time.<\/p>\n
However, Sky subscribers will now have greater access to games thanks to ESPN America’s move to the News and Events pack.\u00c2\u00a0 Some are live, some are broadcast ‘as live’ the following day.\u00c2\u00a0 Either way, there are even more chances to watch the action.\u00c2\u00a0 Here’s your guide to this week’s early games, all times listed in British Summer Time.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Monday 29<\/strong><\/p>\n No early games today.\u00c2\u00a0 Later on, Roy Halladay comes off the fifteen day DL to face the Rays (00.07).\u00c2\u00a0 Tim Lincecum goes for his eighth win of the season in the Giants’ game against the Cardinals (01.15) and there’s a match-up between two talented youngsters in the Tigers-A’s game as Rick Porcello and Brett Anderson take the mound.<\/p>\n Tuesday 30<\/strong><\/p>\n Another batch of night games brings us John Smoltz’s second start for Boston.\u00c2\u00a0 The Red Sox begin their game against the Orioles at five past midnight.\u00c2\u00a0 Other top pitchers scheduled to be starting tomorrow include Cliff Lee (00.05 against the White Sox), Joba Chamberlain (00.05 against the Mariners), Dan Haren (00.10 against the Reds), Johan Santana (01.05 against the Brewers), Chad Billingsley (03.10 against the Rockies) and a clash between Randy Johnson and Chris Carpenter (01.15).<\/p>\n Wednesday 1<\/strong><\/p>\n 17.10. Nationals @ Marlins – TBD, Johnson (7-1)\u00c2\u00a0 The first day of July offers us seven early games.\u00c2\u00a0 The Rays and Blue Jays make the AL East a genuine battle between four teams.\u00c2\u00a0 Games between the division rivals are therefore even more important and the combination of Shields and Romero should make this a good one to watch.\u00c2\u00a0 Meanwhile the Mets and Brewers come together with Pelfrey and Gallardo on the mound.<\/p>\n Thursday 2<\/strong><\/p>\n 17.35. D-Backs @ Reds – Buckner (2-5), Harang (5-8)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 The three games on Thursday all come from the National League.\u00c2\u00a0 The D-Backs are having a miserable year and already look like being out of the NL Wild Card race.\u00c2\u00a0 Prior to the season starting, the Pirates and the Astros would have been considered much more likely to be in such a position.\u00c2\u00a0 Neither are having great years, but the NL Central is such a closely-contested division that they are far from out of contention.<\/p>\n Friday 3<\/strong><\/p>\n 18.05. Blue Jays @ Yankees – TBD, TBD\u00c2\u00a0 We end the working week with two exciting games, one from the AL East and one from the NL Central.<\/p>\n
\n18.07. Rays @ Blue Jays – Shields (6-5), Romero (5-3)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n18.35. Red Sox @ Orioles – Beckett (9-3), Bergesen (5-2)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n19.05. Mets @ Brewers – Pelfrey (5-3), Gallardo (8-4)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n19.20. Twins @ Royals – TBD, Meche (4-7)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n20.10. Rockies @ Dodgers – Hammel (5-3), Kershaw (5-5)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n20.35. Tigers @ Athletics – Verlander (8-3), Braden (5-7)<\/p>\n
\n17.35. Mets @ Pirates – Redding (1-3), Maholm (5-4)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0
\n20.35. Astros @ Padres – Rodriguez (6-6), Correia (5-5)<\/p>\n
\n19.20. Brewers @ Cubs – TBD, TBD<\/p>\n