It’s Interleague play week in MLB, which doesn’t seem to have much bearing on the number of early games being played.\u00c2\u00a0 We start the week off slowly today and tomorrow, but there’s a bumper day on Thursday and an exciting game to look forward to on Friday evening.\u00c2\u00a0 As always, all times are listed in BST.<\/p>\n
Monday 16th<\/strong> – No early games and only five later on, although two look like being potential crackers.\u00c2\u00a0 The Red Sox face the Phillies (first pitch just after midnight) with Bartolo Colon matching up against Cole Hamels.\u00c2\u00a0 Later on (03.15) it’s the Tigers against the Giants\u00c2\u00a0with Justin Verlander and Tim Lincecum being the scheduled starters.<\/p>\n Tuesday 17th<\/strong> – We come up empty again today.\u00c2\u00a0 There’s a full slate of fifteen games later on, with the Mets’ game against the Angels (03.05) the pick of the bunch.\u00c2\u00a0 Johan Santana versus John Lackey anyone?\u00c2\u00a0 Good luck to the batters in that one.<\/p>\n Wednesday 18th<\/strong> – Our live baseball week starts today with two decent match-ups.\u00c2\u00a0 At 18.05, the Red Sox take on the Phillies with Justin Masterson scheduled to make the start for Boston.\u00c2\u00a0 At 20.45, the impressive Armando Galarraga takes the mound for the Tigers as they face Barry Zito and the Giants.<\/p>\n Thursday 19th<\/strong> – Good old ‘getaway’ Thursday brings us eight early games to choose from.\u00c2\u00a0 We start in Cincinnati at 17.35 where Derek Lowe and the Dodgers are scheduled to face Aaron Harang.\u00c2\u00a0 At 18.05, it’s the small matter of a Joba Chamberlain start at Yankee Stadium, this one coming against the Padres.\u00c2\u00a0 Five minutes later, the Nationals take on Kevin Slowey and the Twins at the Metrodome.\u00c2\u00a0 Three games are scheduled to begin at 19.05: the Braves versus the Rangers, the Pirates versus the White Sox and the Blue Jays versus the Brewers.\u00c2\u00a0 Ten minutes later, Zack Greinke and the Royals start their match against Todd Wellemeyer and the Cardinals.\u00c2\u00a0 Finally the A’s face the D-Backs in the desert from 20.40, with Greg Smith and Doug Davis set to start.<\/p>\n Friday 20th<\/strong> – The Cubs often offer us Brits an early evening game from Wrigley Field on a Friday and this week’s match-up should be well worth getting the beers in for.\u00c2\u00a0 It’s the North side versus the South side in round one of the battle of Chicago.\u00c2\u00a0 First pitch is scheduled for 19.20.<\/p>\n