Coach Fletcher’s Saturday Scouting Edge
2nd Game of Double Header
Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
Stroman Takes Hill for Blue Jays
Marcus Stroman is 11-6 with a 3.65 era. But he has done much better wearing a Toronto uniform. He’s 5-1 with a 2.15 era since joining the Jays. He’s 7-2 when pitching at home this season with a 2.63 era. He’s not as effective on the road where he will go today at 4-4 with a 5.60 era. Clearly the Yankees will have a shot to make up some ground. Stroman also had a poor August going 1-3 with an era of 5.65. But he’s reversed that in September going 3-1 with a 2.61 era. Ivan Nova, 6-7 and 4.50, gets the start for the NYY.
3:10 pm Boston Red Sox versus Tampa Bay Rays
Porcello Tries to Derail Ray Run
Since coming off the DL, Rick Porcello has been as good as ever – maybe even better. In his last 3 starts, Porcello is 2-1 with a 1.61 era. Lifetime he is 2-2 at Tropicana with a 2.55 era. The Rays are clinging to an unlikely run to the playoffs. They trail the Rangers by 5 games but have two teams between themselves and Texas. Porcello missed most of August with a strained triceps but has returned with gusto. He’s allowed only 4 earned runs in his last 22 1/3 innings while striking out 22 and walking three. Matt Moore goes for the Rays and his recovery from season ending Tommy John surgery last year is an unfinished product. Moore is 1-3 with a lofty 8.04 era. He’s bounced between the Rays and Triple-A Durham this season. His last start was his best as he gave up 2 earned runs of 3 hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Yankees.
4:05 pm Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburg Pirates
Locke Looking to Lock Down Postseason Rotation Spot
Jeff Locke may well be the odd man out in the Pirate’s post season rotation. With 6 pitchers vying for the 4 or 5 rotation spots for the playoffs, Locke may need a big game today to stay in the shuffle. He might do that as he has been a different pitcher at home than on the road. He’s 7-10 with a 4.56 era on the season. At home, however, he is 3-4 with a 3.62 era. He’s only gone 1-4 with a 5.65 era in his last 7 so a powerful performance may not even be enough to secure a spot. In his last start against the Reds he allowed one earned run and four hits in five innings. Locke is pitted against Zack Davies who has gone 1-0 with a 3.97 era this season. Davies gave up 4 runs and 4 hits in 4 1/3 innings against the Bucs earlier in the season.
5:10 pm Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Dodgers Look to Rebound and Gain Some Momentum
The Dodger game essentially ended last night in the first inning when the D-Backs scored a big 6 against the Dodgers. In case they wasn’t enough, the came back with 4 more in the second. Mike Bolsinger will make a spot start today and try to put the Dodger train back on track after a humiliating loss. Bolsinger is a respectable 6-3 with a 2.97 era in limited action. He’s allowed 2 runs and 6 hits in 11 plus innings against the D-backs this season. He’s 2-1 with a 3.00 era in his last 7 and could well be the 5th pitcher in the Dodger rotation. He’s 2-1 with a 2.93 era away from home. He’s gone 4-2 with a 3.28 era at night. He will face Rubby De La Rosa who is 12-7 with a 4.49 era on the year.
6:05 pm Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels
Santiago Hopes to Keep Angels Post Season Chances Alive
Hector Santiago has failed to live up to his All-Star first half play, but still has the stuff it takes to win big games. He’ll need to do that today to keep the Angel playoff hopes alive against the Astros and Lance McCullers. MCullers is 5-5 with a 3.07 era for the Astros this season. Santiago is 8-9 with a 3.24 era. The Angels toppled the Astros 3-2 last night to stay in the race. Santiago has only given up 1 run in 12 plus innings against the Astros this season. In his last start, Santiago gave up only 1 hit but walked 6 as he shut out the Rangers in a six inning stint last Sunday. Houston is -123 for this one.