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Paxton overpowered Oakland batters with a fastball that he kept up in the zone on Wednesday to record 16 of his 21 outs via strikeout while allowing five hits in seven scoreless frames. "I'm not going to go out and strike out 16 every time, but just the approach," the southpaw said. "I think I've found a good way to approach the game for me, and that's what I'll be focusing on." Paxton, who was denied a victory after the bullpen imploded over the last two frames, owns a 2-1 mark with a 6.32 ERA in his three previous starts in Toronto.  Toronto starter, Stroman's disastrous season continued on Wednesday as he lost his third straight start despite allowing just two runs on six hits over seven innings in a 4-0 setback at Minnesota. The 27-year-old, who surrendered fewer than four runs for the first time in six trips to the mound this season, plans to use his cut fastball between 20-25 times per outing.

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Keuchel has posted quality starts in three of his last four outings but received two runs of support in three losses during that stretch. The 30-year-old Arkansas product limited the New York Yankees to three runs and six hits over seven innings in a 4-0 loss on Wednesday and has not issued a walk in his last two starts. Matt Chapman is 4-for-7 with two doubles and a pair of homers versus Keuchel, who is 5-5 with a 2.88 ERA in 19 career appearances (17 starts) against Oakland. Oakland starter, Anderson makes his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Nashville after allowing two runs on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings of a no-decision Wednesday at Seattle. The 30-year-old Texan made 13 starts last season with Toronto and the Chicago Cubs, going 4-4 with a 6.34 ERA. Josh Reddick (3-for-3) and Jake Marisnick (2-for-2) have homered against Anderson,

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Since giving up nine runs in three innings at the Cleveland Indians on April 12, Fulmer has turned in three straight quality starts while posting an ERA of 1.89. He did not factor in the decision after giving up two runs in six solid innings against the Tampa Bay Rays at home on Wednesday. The former first-round pick is 1-1 with a 3.21 mark in two career starts against the Rangers, both of which took place at Texas. Texas starter, Moore posted a 3.18 ERA over his final three starts in April - as well as a scoreless inning of relief - but was rocked in his first outing this month. The 28-year-old gave up 10 runs on 11 hits in just four innings against the Indians, serving up three home runs after allowing only one over his first six appearances this season. Moore has not faced the Tigers since June 4, 2013, when he was pounded for six runs in two frames.

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Bailey endured some hard-luck losses at the outset of the season after registering three quality starts in his first four outings, but he has regressed over the past two weeks. After a pair of no-decisions, he was tagged for five runs on six hits over five innings in a loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday. Bailey, who has surrendered six homers over his last three starts, is 1-4 with a 6.49 ERA lifetime versus New York.

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Strailey came off the 10-day disabled list to make his season debut Monday at home against Philadelphia on Monday. He was reached for four runs on six hits and four walks across four innings while picking up a no-decision in an 8-4 win. The 29-year-old, who won 14 games for the Reds in 2016, is 8-2 with a 2.96 ERA in 18 games (17 starts) in his career at Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati starter, Finnegan has served up five home runs in his first four starts, including two in five innings of three-run ball against Minnesota on Monday. The former first-round pick lost his only prior career start against Miami after giving up four runs in 5 1/3 innings. Martin Prado is 3-for-4 with a triple against Finnegan.

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Ohtani struggled with his command in his last start and received a no-decision after yielding four runs with five walks in 5 1/3 innings against Houston. Seattle starter, Hernandez won his second straight start on Tuesday, allowing three runs while striking out seven over six innings against Oakland. “That was probably one of the sharper outings he’s had all year to this point, which is a great sign,” manager Scott Servais told reporters. Mike Trout is 29-for-79 with seven homers and 19 RBI against Hernandez, who owns a 16-16 record and 3.36 ERA in 51 career starts versus the Angels.

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The Baltimore Orioles hope to put an end to their woes on the road and salvage the finale of their six-game trip when they visit the Oakland Athletics today. Baltimore has been swept in each of its last three road series - all three-gamers - and is on the verge of suffering the same fate after dropping a 2-0 decision in 12 innings on Saturday. Baltimore starter, Cobb was glad to see April come to an end as he allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings of a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels on the road on Tuesday after surrendering 20 and 30 over 11 2/3 frames in three starts last month. The 30-year-old native of Boston has registered only six strikeouts while issuing five walks over 17 2/3 innings in his four turns this season.

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Kuhl turned in his worst effort of the season in Tuesday's loss at Washington, giving up six runs (four earned) on four hits - all homers - and two walks over 4 2/3 innings. Milwaukee starter, Anderson won for the third time in four turns despite issuing a season-high four free passes Tuesday in Cincinnati, permitting four runs on six hits while throwing 90 pitches in 5 1/3 frames. The 30-year-old Oklahoma product is 6-2 with a 2.86 ERA in 11 starts versus the Pirates.

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Gibson has yielded two runs on five hits and two walks across five innings with six strikeouts Tuesday in a no-decision against Toronto. Abreu (6-for-25) and Avisail Garcia each struggle (3-for-17) against Gibson, who is 6-2 with a 2.26 ERA in 10 career games versus the White Sox. Chicago starter, Shields has gone six games without a victory but limited opponents to one run in two of the five starts during that stretch. The 36-year-old California native permitted one run on two hits with no walks and four strikeouts over six innings of a no-decision Tuesday after losing his previous three outings. Brian Dozier is 12-for-36 with five doubles and four homers against Shields, who is 8-9 with a 4.32 ERA in 24 career contests versus the Twins.

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Scherzer recorded his fifth consecutive quality start on Tuesday after allowing two runs on three hits in 6 1/3 innings of a 12-4 out of Pittsburgh. The NL Pitcher of the Month for April has permitted seven runs on 15 hits while striking out 48 batters during his five-game winning streak. Odubel Herrera is 10-for-33 in his career versus Scherzer, however the right-hander has flustered Carlos Santana (3-for-42, 10 strikeouts) and Aaron Altherr (0-for-9, six strikeouts) en route to posting a 9-1 career mark against the Phillies with an 0.95 WHIP.

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Greinke bounced back from a rocky outing against Philadelphia by striking out 10 and holding the Los Angeles Dodgers to two runs over six innings in last Monday’s 8-5 victory. The four-time All-Star is 15-1 in his last 20 starts at Chase Field. Jose Altuve is 9-for-21 with a home run against Greinke, who is 6-2 with a 2.31 ERA in nine career starts against the Astros, including 6 2/3 scoreless innings in a 2-0 home victory on Aug. 14, 2017.

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Bettis completed at least seven innings in three of his last four starts, including a hard-luck loss at Miami on Sunday in which he allowed two runs and four hits. The 29-year-old is 3-1 with a 1.71 ERA in four road starts. Jay Bruce has a home run and a double in four at-bats against Bettis, who surrendered nine runs in 13 career innings against the Mets. New York starter, Matz was 1-1 with a 3.77 ERA through his first three starts but is 0-1 with a 7.36 mark over the last two outings. He lasted just 3 1/3 frames in a loss at St. Louis on April 25 before having his next start pushed back due to back soreness. Blackmon is 5-for-8 with two doubles and Nolan Arenado has a pair of homers in eight career at-bats against Matz.

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McCarthy has provided the Braves even more than they hoped for so far, a veteran presence in the rotation who began the weekend tied for second in the NL in wins. The 34-year-old held Philadelphia to one run on five hits with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings Sunday, the third time in his past four starts McCarthy has allowed one run.

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Bauer recorded his fifth straight quality start last time out but settled for a no-decision after allowing two runs and four hits with 11 strikeouts across 6 2/3 innings versus Texas. The 27-year-old UCLA product won his previous start against the Chicago Cubs as he permitted one run and four hits while fanning eight over 6 2/3 frames, giving him 46 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings this year. New York starter, Gray matched his longest outing of the season on Monday, when he limited Houston to two runs and four hits over six innings but ended up with the loss. The 28-year-old Vanderbilt product is winless in four starts and has struggled with his control, issuing 19 walks in 27 frames this year. Brandon Guyer is 3-for-8 with two homers and Michael Brantley is 6-for-18 with a pair of doubles against Gray, who is 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA in eight career games versus Cleveland.

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After three seasons in Japan, Mikolas has quickly shown he can be an effective major-league starter. The 29-year-old has racked up 27 strikeouts and just two walks in 33 innings across his first five outings. He had a season-high seven strikeouts and held Pittsburgh to two runs and six hits over seven innings last time out for his third straight quality start.

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Foltynewicz has yet to give up more than two earned runs in any of his six starts this season, and held Philadelphia to one on three hits with six strikeouts over six innings in a victory Saturday. The 26-year-old only walked two hitters last time out after issuing eight in his previous 10 2/3 innings over two starts. Foltynewicz, who is holding opponents to a .209 average this season, is 2-2 in five career starts against the Giants with a 4.45 ERA.

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Although Marquez lost his second consecutive start Saturday at Miami, he shaved one run off his ERA after permitting three runs (one earned) over six innings. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has pitched dramatically better away from Coors Field, posting a 1-1 record and 1.59 ERA in three road starts as opposed to a 10.64 ERA in Colorado. Yoenis Cespedes has a homer in three at-bats versus Marquez, who gave up three runs in his lone start against New York last season. New York starter, Wheeler pitched only five innings Sunday at San Diego, but he picked up the victory by striking out a season-high nine while permitting two runs on six hits. The 27-year-old lost his only home start of the season despite giving up three runs over six innings versus Washington to fall to 8-16 with a 4.88 ERA lifetime at Citi Field. Wheeler lost his only career start against the Rockies back in 2014, allowing seven runs (four earned) and six hits over four innings.

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Happ has at least eight strikeouts in each of his last five starts and fanned nine in seven strong innings while defeating Texas his last time out. The 35-year-old's only road outing resulted in six innings of one-run ball at Baltimore on April 9. Tampa Bay starter, Yarbrough will be making his eighth appearance of the year but just his second start. He took the loss in his first start April 15 against Philadelphia after giving up five runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

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Tomlin has struggled mightily in three of his first four starts of 2018, including the last two in which he allowed 11 runs and 17 hits over 9 2/3 innings en route to defeats. The 33-year-old Texas Tech product has served up 10 homers - six in his last two outings - across 18 2/3 frames while opponents are batting .360 against him. New York starter, Sabathia has picked up where he left off last season (14-5) by allowing just five earned runs across 26 1/3 innings to open 2018 after posting back-to-back quality starts. The 37-year-old former Cy Young Award winner gave up one unearned run over six frames on April 24 to beat Minnesota and yielded just one run in seven innings five days later in a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Lindor is 5-for-9 with a double versus Sabathia, who is 4-3 with a 3.65 ERA in 11 career games against the Indians.

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Wood remained winless on the season when he gave up four runs and six hits in a setback against San Francisco in his last turn. The 27-year-old has been superb with his control, walking just three and striking out 30 in 35 innings. Wood lost to the Diamondbacks on April 4, when he allowed three runs and six hits over six frames. Arizona starter, Corbin did not factor in the decision against Washington in his last turn after allowing three runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old has been flat-out dominant by holding opponents to a .165 average while striking out 55 against just seven walks in 40 frames. Corbin allowed just one hit and struck out 12 in 7 1/3 innings while beating Los Angeles on April 4.

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Stripling is making a spot start in place of Rich Hill, whose expected return from the disabled list has been delayed due to an infection in his left middle finger. David Peralta is 5-for-12 with four doubles against Stripling, who is 1-2 with a 3.48 ERA in 15 career games (two starts) against Arizona. Arizona starter, Greinke is looking to bounce back from a rough outing against Philadelphia on Wednesday, when he allowed five runs and nine hits in six innings. The four-time All-Star owns a 32-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio

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Gray's struggles continued Wednesday as he yielded three runs on six hits and five walks while throwing 104 pitches in 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision against Minnesota. It was the second-longest outing of the season for the 28-year-old native of Tennessee, who surrendered 11 runs over 6 1/3 frames in his previous two outings. Houston starter, Morton was brilliant in his first four starts of the season but had trouble against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, when he escaped with a no-decision after giving up four runs on five hits and five walks in four innings. The 34-year-old from New Jersey tossed five scoreless innings en route to victory in Game 7.

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Signed to a three-year, $75 million deal, Arrieta allowed three runs on as many hits in four innings of a no-decision against Miami on April 8. The 32-year-old has flipped the switch over his last three outings, permitting three earned runs while scattering 12 hits and striking out 13 in 20 2/3 innings. J.T. Realmuto (3-for-8) and Justin Bour (2-for-6) have gotten their licks in against Arrieta, but the right-hander has limited the rest of current roster to going 3-for-36 with eight strikeouts.

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Sabathia is coming off his longest outing of the season that resulted in his first victory as he limited Minnesota to an unearned run and two hits over six innings on Tuesday. Only half of the eight runs the 37-year-old Californian has allowed this year have been earned. LA starter, Skaggs answered his worst start of the season with one of his best on Monday as he scattered four hits over seven scoreless innings in a victory at Houston. The 26-year-old, who also hails from the Golden State, was tagged for six runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 frames by Boston at home in his previous turn on April 18. Skaggs has made 62 starts in his career but will be facing New York for the first time.

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McCarthy is 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA in his two starts against the Phillies this season, giving up three runs on 11 hits over 10 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old received a no-decision in his last start Tuesday against Cincinnati, surrendering five runs (three earned) with a season-low one strikeout in five innings and two homers allowed. Philadelphia starter ,Velasquez has lost both starts to Atlanta this season, posting a 7.27 ERA and allowing 16 hits in 8 2/3 innings. His other defeat came in his last start Tuesday against Arizona, in which he allowed four runs on four hits in 4 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and two homers allowed. The 25-year-old has held right-handed batters to a .214 average, but left-handers are hitting .311 with three homers and six extra-base hits in 61 at-bats.

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Colorado starter, Bettis allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over five innings in a no-decision against San Diego on Monday after two straight outstanding performances. The 29-year-old Texas Tech product yielded one run on eight hits across 14 1/3 innings in those two outings to improve to 3-0 with a 1.40 ERA on the road in 2018.

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Tanaka bounced back from a pair of rough outings on Monday as he limited Minnesota to one run and three hits in 6 2/3 innings of a victory. The 29-year-old native of Japan surrendered 13 runs and 14 hits over 10 frames in his previous two turns but managed to come away with a 1-1 record. Tanaka has been impressive in four career starts against the Angels, going 1-0 with a 1.63 ERA. LA starter, Richards has allowed fewer than three runs in each of his last four starts, posting three victories in that span. The 29-year-old Californian is coming off his longest outing of the season - a triumph over San Francisco last Saturday in which he gave up two runs and five hits while registering 11 strikeouts in six frames. Richards has yet to defeat New York in his career, going 0-3 with a 6.65 ERA and one complete game in four starts and one relief appearance.

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Vargas won a career-best 18 games and was an All-Star for the first time last season while with Kansas City. He cashed in by signing a two-year, $16 million deal over the winter and figures to eventually be the No. 3 starter behind Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom. Asdrubal Cabrera belted a three-run homer as the Mets posted a 5-1 victory in the series opener, and the 32-year-old finished with two hits for his fifth multi-hit performance in nine games. San Diego's Eric Hosmer went 0-for-3 with a walk in his return after a two-game absence due to family reasons and has registered only four RBIs in 88 at-bats. Vargas is facing the Padres for the first time in nearly seven years, when he tossed a six-hit shutout on July 1, 2011 while with Seattle. Overall, the 35-year-old is 2-1 with a 2.39 ERA in four career starts against San Diego. Vargas regularly shut down Hosmer (1-for-13) before the two became teammates in Kansas City.

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Foltynewicz struggled with his control and needed 103 pitches to last just 4 2/3 innings Monday at Cincinnati, getting a no-decision after walking four and striking out seven with two runs allowed. He has walked four hitters in each of his past two starts (10 2/3 innings) after issuing only five in his first three outings (15 1/3 innings). Philadelphia starter,  Pivetta has pitched well through the season’s first month even though he only has one decision in five starts. He struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings Sunday against Pittsburgh, giving up two runs on five hits with two walks - his first two free passes since his season debut against Atlanta on March 30.

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Corbin has struck out at least eight batters in each of his first five starts and fanned 11 in a win over San Diego on Sunday. Each of his opponents thus far have been from the National League West and the 28-year-old has held them to a .140 average. Hellickson is making his third start since joining the Nationals' rotation, his first at home in a Washington uniform and the 200th of his career. He allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. The Iowa native, who won nine games with Arizona in 2015, is 0-3 with a 5.32 ERA in four career starts against the Diamondbacks.

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After flirting with a perfect game and finishing with 7 2/3 dominant innings at Houston on April 15, Colon gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against Seattle six days later. He owns a 2.79 ERA and has limited opponents to a .221 average through his first three starts with Texas. The 44-year-old, who threw two scoreless innings of relief against the Blue Jays earlier in the season, is 12-7 with a 4.14 ERA in 29 career starts against Toronto. Garcia opened the year with six solid innings against the Chicago White Sox but he failed to complete six frames in each of his next three outings. He allowed 10 runs in 15 2/3 innings in that span and has served up at least one home run in all four of his starts

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Keuchel's record is deceiving, as he has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his five starts. The 30-year-old former Cy Young Award winner is coming off his first win, a triumph over the White Sox in Chicago on Saturday in which he gave up one run and four hits over six innings. Keuchel is 5-4 with one complete game and a 2.59 ERA in 16 starts and two relief appearances against the Athletics

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Anderson was pounded in his season debut at Arizona, giving up seven runs over 2 1/3 innings, but he has permitted only five earned runs in his last four turns while recording quality starts in three of them. He picked up his first win last time out by tossing six innings of two-run ball against the Chicago Cubs. Anderson has a 1.42 ERA in splitting two decisions against Miami, limiting the current roster to 3-for-16.

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Godley gave himself quite the birthday present on Friday, picking up his third win in four outings by overcoming a two-run double from Franchy Cordero in the first to strike out eight over 5 1/3 innings versus San Diego. The 28-year-old showed better control by surrendering one walk on the heels of issuing six free passes in a disastrous performance at the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 15. Bryce Harper (3-for-8) has gotten his licks in on Godley, but the right-hander owns a 2-1 mark against the Nationals while limiting them to a .225 batting average. Washington starter Strasburg has been plagued by the home run ball this season as he was taken deep twice to spoil a 10-strikeout performance in Saturday's 4-0 setback at the Dodgers. The three-time All-Star has surrendered six homers in five outings (33 1/3 innings) after permitting 13 during his entire 2017 campaign.

Rating: 2 Units

Tillman's struggles this season continued Saturday as he surrendered four runs and eight hits - three homers - over six innings in a loss to Cleveland. It was the longest outing of the year for the 30-year-old Californian, who has given up 19 runs on 30 hits and 11 walks over 17 1/3 frames in his four turns. Tillman is hoping to continue the success he has had against Detroit during his career as he is 6-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 10 starts versus the Tigers.

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Corbin struck out eight and yielded one hit in his shutout of the Giants on Tuesday, improving to 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA at home this year. He has 28 strikeouts and nine hits allowed in 22 innings at Chase Field after going 9-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 17 home starts last year. Wil Myers is 9-for-19 with a home run and Jose Pirela is 4-for-5 with two doubles against Corbin, who has a 4.48 ERA in 16 career games (11 starts) against San Diego.

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Cueto came off the disabled list on Tuesday and turned in a dominant performance against Arizona, allowing two hits while registering 11 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings. The two-time All-Star has given up one earned run over 20 frames in his first three starts of the year. Justin Upton is 6-for-20 with two home runs against Cueto, who is 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA in two career turns versus the Angels. The Angels are 4-7 at home and 9-1 on the road.

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Smith is hoping to solve his problems on the road, where he has surrendered eight runs on seven hits and a whopping 11 walks over only 5 1/3 innings in two starts - both losses. The Sam Houston State product lasted on 2 1/3 frames against the Yankees in New York on Monday as he was tagged for five runs on five hits and as many walks. Smith, who remains in search of his first major-league victory despite making 13 appearances (six starts), will be facing Milwaukee for the first time in his career. Milwaukee starter, Guerra has been superb in two starts since being recalled from the minors, allowing one run and five hits with 11 strikeouts across 11 innings. The 33-year-old Venezuelan settled for a no-decision against Cincinnati on Tuesday despite giving up just one hit over 5 2/3 scoreless frames. Guerra, already has matched his win total over 21 games last season.

Rating: 2 Units

Pivetta is rolling along and allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last three turns. The Canada native did not factor in the decision in either of his last two turns despite holding the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves to a total of three runs in 12 frames and owns 21 strikeouts with just two walks in 21 2/3 total innings. Pittsburgh starter,  Williams lost his only start against Philadelphia last season, surrendering three runs and four hits in 5 2/3 frames..

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Liriano makes his fourth start of the season and his second against the Royals, having beaten them in his season debut with 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball. He turned in another quality start in his next outing but took the loss despite six innings of two-run ball before beating Baltimore last time out by yielding two runs in five innings. Liriano is 8-5 with a 4.16 ERA in 20 career appearances (17 starts) versus the Royals.

Rating: 2 Units

Sale has just one victory in four starts this season despite allowing a total of three runs over 16 innings. The 29-year-old Floridian has yet to work more than six innings, however, lasting only five while giving up one run and two hits in a no-decision against Baltimore on Sunday. Sale owns a 5-2 record and 2.60 ERA in eight starts and five relief appearances versus Oakland in his career. Oakland starter Manaea has been nearly as good as Sale this season, yielding five runs over 27 2/3 innings in four starts. The 26-year-old native of Indiana notched a victory at Seattle on Sunday after giving up one run and two hits in seven frames. Manaea has struggled against Boston in his career, going 1-2 in three starts while surrendering 18 runs and 26 hits (four homers) over 11 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Paxton picked up his first victory of the season Monday when he gave up one run and three hits over six innings. The 29-year-old has given up five runs over his last three turns after being roughed up for six runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings by Cleveland on March 31. Paxton is 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA in 10 career starts against Texas and has regularly been torched by Adrian Beltre (9-of-16 with one homer and six RBIs). Texas starter Colon is making his fifth appearance (third start) for the Rangers and he has a stellar 0.70 WHIP while holding opponents to a .177 batting average. He was solid in his first start of the season as well as he limited Oakland to one run and seven hits over six innings. Colon is 20-12 with a 3.84 ERA in 37 career starts against Seattle.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston won only four of 10 games following a 6-1 start, in part because its offense scored three runs or fewer six times from April 6-16. The Astros still were scuffling at the plate in a 2-1 loss at Seattle on Monday to begin their trek, but they have progressively scored more runs in each contest during their four-game winning streak, topped off by a 10-0 rout of Chicago in Friday's series opener in which Springer drove in four runs and Correa clubbed two homers. Whereas Houston has outscored its opponents 30-4 during its winning streak, Chicago has been outscored 44-14 (11 of which came in one game) during its five-game slide. The White Sox have dropped 10 of 11 overall but may have other things on its mind entering the weekend, however, as reliever Danny Farquhar was taken to the hospital after passing out in the team's dugout Friday following a short relief appearance in the sixth inning.

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Kyle Gibson goes for the Twins, who have played back-to-back extra-inning contests. Eddie Rosario belted a grand slam to tie it and Max Kepler’s solo shot gave Minnesota a lead in the ninth, but the most important homer Friday for the Twins might have been Logan Morrison’s first of the season in the second inning after coming in batting .068. Brian Dozier had a pair of singles in the series opener for Minnesota and has hit safely in all 14 games this season while batting .290. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer, who is batting .333 overall, went hitless Friday (0-for-4) for only the second time in 13 games this season.

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Perez posted a career-high 13 wins in 2017, won his season debut against Oakland on April 5 as he yielded three runs and 10 hits across 5 1/3 frames. Snell was overpowering against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, striking out 10 while surrendering one run and one hit over six innings, but his pitch count ballooned to 114 with five walks. The 25-year-old native of Washington held Boston to three hits and two walks over 5 2/3 scoreless innings on March 30 in his only home start but settled for a no-decision. Snell, who will be facing Texas for the first time, has been markedly better at home (8-7, 3.05 ERA) than on the road (4-9, 4.65) in his career.

Rating: 2 Units

Hellickson, who will be added to Washington's 25-man roster on Monday, is ready to go after working a pair of extended spring straining league games in Florida. The 31-year-old pitched well for a young Philadelphia squad over parts of two seasons before limping down the stretch in 2017 with a 2-6 mark and gaudy 6.97 ERA in 10 outings with Baltimore. Hellickson owns a 2-4 record with a bloated 7.81 ERA in eight career starts versus the Mets. New York starter DeGrom surrendered just one earned run on four hits for the second time in as many starts this season as he improved to 6-4 in his career versus Washington following an 8-2 triumph on April 5. The 29-year-old walked away with a no-decision in his last trip to the mound despite yielding four runs - including his first homer of the season - in six innings at Miami. Bryce Harper (MLB-best seven homers) is 9-for-26 versus deGrom, but the right-hander has kept Anthony Rendon (2-for-21, six strikeouts) and Michael Taylor (1-for-21, 11 strikeouts) under wraps.

Rating: 2 Units

German Marquez was ejected after three innings in his previous start for participating in a brawl with the San Diego Padres, and he'll get a chance to go deeper in this one opposite Steven Brault for the Pirates. Brault won his first two outings this season - one as a starter and one in relief - before struggling at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. The California native was reached for four runs on seven hits in five innings of that game while getting a no-decision in a game the Pirates would lose 13-5. Brault allowed two runs in an inning of relief in his only prior encounter with the Rockies.

Rating: 2 Units

Hernandez rebounded from a rough turn at San Francisco in his previous outing, allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings in a victory at Kansas City on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Venezuelan has yet to last six frames in three outings this season and recorded only eight strikeouts over 15 frames. Hernandez has recorded 25 victories - his highest total versus any team - against only nine losses with three complete games and a 2.60 ERA in 46 career starts versus the Athletics.

Rating: 2 Units

Martinez has 19 strikeouts and just 14 hits allowed in 18 2/3 innings through his first three starts, but he's issued 10 walks in that span. The bulk of those came in a rocky season debut, after which the 26-year-old rebounded by allowing one run in 14 1/3 innings over his last two outings. Martinez is 6-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 19 career games (eight starts) against Cincinnati, and Reds slugger Joey Votto is just 3-for-19 against him, although Martinez has walked Votto eight times. Cincinnati starter, Bailey has allowed a run in six innings in two of his first three starts but his team is 0-3 in his outings. The veteran from Texas struck out seven and yielded two hits in his six innings of work at Philadelphia on Tuesday, getting through a start without allowing a walk for the first time in 2018. Matt Carpenter is 18-for-33 and Yadier Molina is 15-for-39 against the 31-year-old Bailey, who is 6-13 with a 5.86 ERA in 23 career starts against the Cardinals.

Rating: 2 Units

Strasburg was outstanding in his last start on Tuesday against Atlanta, firing eight scoreless innings while allowing three hits and two walks and striking out eight. Entering Saturday, the 29-year-old ranked fifth in the National League with 21 strikeouts and has posted a 1.033 WHIP with five walks and 16 hits surrendered in 20 1/3 innings. Strasburg is 4-4 lifetime against the Rockies with a 3.97 ERA in eight starts, but has not faced Colorado since giving up nine runs in a 2016 start in Denver.

Rating: 2 Units

Chacin has as many walks as strikeouts (seven) through his first three starts and has failed to make it through five innings in two of them. He made his second consecutive start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday and lasted only 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision, allowing three runs on five hits. Chacin is 2-5 with a 6.10 ERA against the Mets and has been tormented by first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who is 8-for-22 against him. New York starter,  Syndergaard has not been the dominant force Mets fans expect even though he did strike out 10 batters in an Opening Day win over St. Louis, when he allowed four runs on six hits. He threw 92 pitches in four innings versus Philadelphia in his second start and worked six innings of two-run ball for the win at Miami last time out. Syndergaard has won both starts versus the Brewers, striking out 16 in 13 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

It took Nova three starts to crack the win column after he went seven innings and permitted three runs on seven hits while striking out six to beat the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The 31-year-old Dominican had a solid outing in his season debut with five innings of two-run ball at Detroit, but was tagged for five runs in 5 1/3 innings in a loss to Minnesota. Nova is 2-0 against Miami and has not allowed a run in 15 innings. Miami starter, Urena has run into early trouble in two of his first three starts - all at home - and lost both of them, giving up three first-inning runs against the Cubs in his season debut and falling into a 3-0 hole last time out versus the New York Mets. He had to settle for a no-decision against Boston on April 3 despite seven stellar innings of one-run ball. Gregory Polanco is 3-for-6 off Urena, who is 1-1 with a 7.31 ERA versus Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

Walker received a no-decision last Sunday despite holding St. Louis to one run on three hits over six innings. Yasmani Grandal is 5-for-10 with a home run against Walker, who is 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA in five career starts against the Dodgers. LA starter, Hill, after tossing six shutout innings against San Francisco in his season debut, allowed three earned runs over four innings in last Saturday’s rematch against the Giants. The 38-year-old native of Massachusetts has posted a 1-5 record with a 4.78 ERA in nine career starts against the Diamondbacks.

Rating: 2 Units

Taillon let up just on hit and struck out seven in the shutout of Cincinnati on Sunday at home, using 110 pitches to complete the gem. The 26-year-old allowed one run in five innings to get the win in his only prior career start against the Marlins last April in Miami. Miami starter, Richards failed to complete five innings in his first two career starts, allowing three runs in four frames in a no-decision at Philadelphia on Sunday. Opponents are hitting .389 against the rookie, who has allowed five doubles and a homer in his first 8 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Arrieta allowed three runs (two earned) in the first inning of his Phillies debut last Sunday, but yielded just two baserunners in the next three frames before being removed after 74 pitches. The 32-year-old TCU product, who was signed to a three-year $75 million deal on March 11, struck out five and walked two against Miami. Tampa Bay starter, Archer earned his first victory Monday when he held the Chicago White Sox to four runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old North Carolina native has struck out 22 and walked seven combined in three starts covering 16 2/3 innings while averaging 93 pitches. Carlos Santana is 6-for-16 with two doubles against Archer, who faces Philadelphia for the first time and is 6-8 with a 2.79 ERA in 19 interleague matchups with 132 strikeouts in 116 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Roark allowed one run, four hits and a walk while striking out six in seven innings of an 8-1 victory at Atlanta on Monday. The 31-year-old Illinois native is 27-19 with a 3.38 ERA in 74 games (53 starts) at Nationals Park after going 6-6, 5.04 in 17 games (14 starts) there last season. Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce are a combined 4-for-27 versus Roark, who is 7-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 17 games (11 starts) against New York. New York starter, Harvey is 3-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) versus Washington and 1-3, 3.86 in six turns at Nationals Park.

Rating: 2 Units

Newcomb’s initial start of 2018 displayed some of the same traits of his rookie season - good power pitching (six strikeouts), command issues (four walks) and the inability to wiggle out of jams as he yielded six runs (five earned) and five hits in 4 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old recorded 108 strikeouts in 100 innings but posted a 1.57 WHIP over 19 starts last season. Newcomb made two starts against the Rockies in 2017 but did not receive a decision while striking out 13 and registering a 5.91 ERA over 10 2/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Hamels bounced back from an Opening Day loss to Houston by allowing one run with 11 strikeouts over five innings in Tuesday’s 4-1 win at Oakland. The 34-year-old native of San Diego has seen his velocity drop in his first two starts, causing him to rely more on changeups and sliders. Hamels is 0-2 with a 6.97 ERA in four career starts against Toronto but owns a 17-5 record in 36 career outings at Globe Life Park, including 7-2 in 12 starts last season.

Rating: 2 Units

Mahle displayed some of the promise Monday that has made him one of Cincinnati's top prospects, holding the Chicago Cubs to one hit and two walks while striking out seven over six innings to get the victory. The 23-year-old told MLB.com. Mahle went 0-1 despite a 2.45 ERA in two outings versus the Pirates last season, accounting for half of his first four career starts prior to this season. Pittsburgh starter, Taillon won his season debut Monday, yielding only two runs and four hits across 5 1/3 innings while tying a career high with nine strikeouts.

Rating: 2 Units

Cincinnati starter, Romano struggled to command his off-speed pitches in Sunday’s loss to Washington, but he managed to eat up some innings. The 24-year-old was able to get through six frames and limit the damage to three runs despite issuing four walks and surrendering two home runs. Romano is 1-2 with a 2.29 ERA in three meetings with the Pirates, and he has lost both of his outings at PNC Park.

Rating: 2 Units

Kennedy is winless in his last five starts versus the Indians and was pounded for nine runs over 7 2/3 innings in two starts last season, leaving him with a 2-5 record and 5.90 ERA in 10 starts against them. Cleveland starter, Bauer struck out seven in five frames but needed 101 pitches to get there Sunday, running into trouble in his final inning versus the Seattle Mariners after giving up a pair of RBI doubles en route to a no-decision. The UCLA product did most of his best work during his breakout 2017 campaign at home, going 10-4 with a 3.93 while striking out 116 across 103 frames. Alcides Escobar is 8-for-25 with a homer against Bauer, who went 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts versus Kansas City last year.

Rating: 2 Units

Darvish did not dazzle in his Cubs debut last Saturday, allowing five runs and five hits over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. The 31-year-old struggled to command his fastball, walking two batters and hitting two more, and he generated only nine swinging strikes. Darvish faced the Brewers last season and allowed three runs over five innings with seven strikeouts in a loss. Milwaukee starter, Davies  is 5-4 with a 3.90 ERA in 10 starts against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

Greinke limited Colorado to one run on five hits with nine strikeouts and no walks over 5 2/3 innings without getting a decision in his 2018 debut last Saturday. The 34-year-old Florida native was 13-1 at home as opposed to 4-6 on the road last year, but won his only start at St. Louis while allowing just one run over seven innings. Marcell Ozuna is 4-for-11 with three homers and Carpenter is 8-for-24 with a pair of blasts against Greinke, who is 12-4 with a 3.17 ERA lifetime versus St. Louis.

Rating: 2 Units

Gray gave up seven hits and three walks in just four innings at Toronto on Sunday but managed to limit the damage to one run. The Orioles got to Gray for five runs in four innings at Yankee Stadium last September, and the one-time All-Star has a 5.30 ERA in six starts in the Bronx. The 28-year-old will be careful with Tim Beckham, who is 6-for-13 with a pair of homers against him.

Rating: 2 Units

San Diego will purchase the contract of Ross, who pitched for Texas last year after spending the previous four seasons with the Padres. The 30-year-old Californian, who was signed to a minor-league contract in December, went 3-3 with a 7.71 ERA in 12 games (10 starts) with the Rangers after being limited to one start with San Diego in 2016 due to a shoulder injury. Ross has yet to defeat Colorado in his career, going 0-5 with a 3.44 ERA in nine starts and two relief appearances.

Rating: 2 Units

Kershaw made his franchise-record eighth consecutive Opening Day start on Thursday and lost for the first time, giving up one run over six innings in a 1-0 loss to San Francisco. After tossing 21 1/3 scoreless frames across six spring starts, the three-time Cy Young Award winner was nearly as impressive in the opener, striking out seven while walking two. Paul Goldschmidt is 10-for-44 with two home runs versus Kershaw, who is 14-8 with a 2.55 ERA in 26 career starts against Arizona. 

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzalez went 1-3 with a 6.45 ERA over the final five games of 2017 with the Texas Rangers after he was traded by the White Sox on Aug. 31 before returning to Chicago on a one-year deal in January. The 33-year-old did not fare much better during exhibition play despite winning both of his decisions, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in four turns. Donaldson is 4-for-12 with three RBIs against Gonzalez, who is 7-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) versus the Blue Jays.

Rating: 2 Units

Archer gave up four runs and six hits with six strikeouts in six innings against the Red Sox on Thursday. He was 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA in four starts against the Yankees last season. New York starter,  Montgomery struck out 144 and allowed 140 hits in 155 1/3 innings during a solid rookie campaign in 2017. He was 6-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 15 starts at Yankee Stadium, including six innings of one-run ball against the Rays on Sept. 26 to pick up his ninth and final win of the year. The 25-year-old posted a 3.43 mark in six spring training appearances to help lock down the last spot in the rotation.

Ratings: 2 Units

Roark’s ERA crept up almost two runs from 2016 to last season, but the metrics indicate bad luck might deserve a good bit of the blame. His walk rate stayed static and his strikeout rate increased, but he did give up a career-high 23 homers in 181 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old is 6-3 with a 2.88 ERA in 19 career games (13 starts) against the Braves

Rating: 2 Units

Johnson earned a spot on the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career thanks in part to injuries to left-handers Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) and Drew Pomeranz (forearm). The 27-year-old Florida native made 18 starts in the minors last season and went 3-4 with a 3.10 ERA while holding batters to a batting average of .239. Boston won all five of Johnson's starts in the majors last season, including an interleague game at Philadelphia on June 14.

Rating: 2 Units

Mikolas  is 2-5 with a 6.44 ERA in 10 career starts in the major leagues - all with Texas in 2014. Milwaukee starter, Davies tied for second in the National League in wins and first in starts (33) in 2017, his second full season in the majors. However, the Arizona native saw his walks increase to 55 from 38 in 2016 and his strikeouts fall to 124 from 135, and he struggled at home by posting a 5.82 ERA in 17 starts. Matt Carpenter is 8-for-18 with two homers and four doubles against Davies, who is 2-0 with a 3.41 ERA in six career starts versus St. Louis.

Rating: 2 Units

Williams finished spring training with a 5.87 ERA, giving up 10 runs on 18 hits in 15 1/3 innings. Detroit's starter, Fulmer also was slated to make his season debut Saturday, and the 25-year-old enters the campaign looking to prove he is healthy. The 2016 American League Rookie of the Year and an All-Star a season ago, Fulmer underwent elbow surgery that ended his 2017 in September, and had an MRI exam in early March after experiencing elbow soreness, but the tests came back clean. Fulmer, considering the young ace of Detroit’s rebuilding team, struck out 15 while walking two and posting a 2.12 ERA in four spring training starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzalez is coming off one of the better seasons of his career, reaching double digits in victories for the eighth consecutive year while posting his second-lowest ERA. The 32-year-old won 11 times away from home last season and turned in a dominant performance at Cincinnati on July 14, limiting the Reds to four hits over 8 1/3 scoreless innings. Joey Votto has been a nemesis, going 8-for-21 with three homers. Cincinnati starter, Romano had an up-and-down rookie campaign but showed improvement down the stretch by allowing a combined nine runs during a span of six starts from mid-August to mid-September. Despite pitching half of his games in homer-happy Great American Ball Park, the 24-year-old New York native permitted only nine homers in 16 starts overall. He has never faced Washington, although Matt Adams has a homer in three at-bats off Romano. However, Washington has won 11 of its last 13 meetings against the Reds.

Rating: 2 Units

The centerpiece of a five-player deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in January, Cole is coming off the worst of his five major-league seasons, finishing with career highs in ERA, losses, walks (55) and homers allowed (31). The former overall No. 1 pick of the 2011 draft was sharp in the spring, however, going 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA while fanning 24 over 21 frames. Cole struck out nine over seven scoreless innings to get the win versus the Rangers in his first and only start against them as a rookie in 2013. Texas starter, Minor will draw his first big-league start since 2014 after finding much success in 66 appearances out of the Kansas City Royals' bullpen a season ago, when he compiled six saves and 17 holds while posting a 1.02 WHIP. The 26-year-old Vanderbilt product is coming off a poor showing in exhibition play (1-1, 6.17 ERA) and was tagged for six runs over 5 1/3 innings in his final start of the spring.

Rating: 2 Units

Marquez led all major league rookies with 147 strikeouts last season while his victory total tied teammate Kyle Freeland for most among rookies. The 23-year-old did serve up 25 homers last season but kept the ball in the park better on the road (10 in 16 starts) as opposed to Coors Field (15 in 13 outings). Marquez was 0-3 with a 4.59 ERA in six starts against Arizona last season and has struggled against Paul Goldschmidt (6-for-10 with two homers and four walks) in seven career appearances against the Diamondbacks. Greinke has a 30-14 record in two seasons with Arizona and he topped 200 strikeouts for the fifth time last year when he totaled 215. He certainly liked pitching at home last season as he was a stellar 13-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 18 starts at Chase Field. Greinke is 9-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 25 career appearances (24 starts) against the Rockies and has never served up a homer to Colorado star Nolan Arenado in 47 career at-bats.

Rating: 2 Units

Giolito was excellent in seven starts with the White Sox at the end of last season and followed it up with an outstanding spring. He was dominant against the Royals in two meetings last year, going 1-0 and allowing two runs over 13 1/3 innings. Kennedy is looking to bounce back from his worst full season in the majors. The 33-year-old struggled to miss bats last year and gave up a career-high 34 home runs, including six in four starts against the White Sox, continuing his struggles against the club. Kennedy is 2-3 with a 5.04 ERA in nine career meetings with Chicago.

Rating: 2 Units

Gibson finished last season strong with wins in each of his last six decisions and posted a 3.76 ERA after the All-Star break. The 30-year-old Missouri product surrendered 16 of his career-high 24 home runs before the break. Gibson went 1-1 in two starts against the Orioles last season. Cashner is one of two new additions to the Baltimore rotation along with Alex Cobb and, like Cobb, he wasn't signed until after the start of spring training and made just two Grapefruit League appearances. The 31-year-old Texan issued 64 walks in 166 2/3 innings for the Texas Rangers while striking out 86. Cashner, who spent the first seven seasons of his career in the National League, lost his lone start to the Twins last season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Seattle Mariners look to open the season with two straight victories when they host the Cleveland Indians for the middle contest of a three-game series on Saturday afternoon. Nelson Cruz belted a two-run, first-inning homer off reigning American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber in a 2-1 victory in the opener Thursday and it should be another low-scoring contest today with two pitchers coming off career-best seasons. Paxton is primed for a big campaign after the oft-injured 29-year-old Canadian put together his best season in 2017 with career highs in wins, starts (24), innings (136) and strikeouts (156). The University of Kentucky product was 7-3 with a 2.45 ERA at home last season as opposed to 5-2 and a 3.66 mark on the road while allowing just nine homers overall.

Rating: 2 Units

Strasburg concluded one of his healthier seasons in dominant fashion, throwing nine scoreless outings while yielding a total of nine earned runs and striking out 104 in his final 14 turns of the season (including postseason). As a result, the former No. 1 overall pick finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting after logging 28 starts - his most since 2014. Strasburg went 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two outings versus the Reds in 2017, improving to 3-1, 4.40 in eight career starts against Cincinnati. Acquired from the Miami Marlins as part of the Dan Straily trade in January of 2017, Castillo was arguably the team's best pitcher in his 15 turns, fanning at least eight in three of his final four starts to finish with 98 strikeouts over 89 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old Dominican led Cincinnati starters in ERA, WHIP (1.07) and batting average against (.202), but the club backed him with no more than two runs in each of his last five losses. Castillo faced the Nationals twice last season, going 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

Keuchel recaptured the form last season that allowed him to claim the American League Cy Young Award in 2015, keeping his ERA below 3.00 and WHIP under 1.20 for the third time in four seasons after struggling in 2016. The 30-year-old, who drew the Opening Day nod for the team over each of the previous three years, is 40-24 with a 3.29 ERA in 89 career games (82 starts) prior to the All-Star break. Keuchel mostly had his way with the Rangers last season, going 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA in four turns.

Rating: 2 Units

Pivetta took his lumps last season with 25 homers and 144 hits allowed in 133.0 innings while seeing his WHIP climb to a gaudy 1.51. A postive for the 25-year-old British Columbian came in the form of his 140 strikeouts, with 13 coming as he limited the Braves to a .226 batting average en route to winning all three of his starts versus the club last season. Two of the starts were played in Atlanta, including a six-inning scoreless stint in his penultimate outing of the campaign.

Rating: 2 Units

Although he won at least 12 games for the fourth straight season, Tanaka spent too much of 2017 looking over his shoulder as he surrendered 35 home runs. However, he closed the year on a high note, allowing two runs and zero homers over his last four turns, including the postseason. One of those was a 15-strikeout, three-hit masterpiece against the Blue Jays on Sept. 29 after he allowed eight runs in Toronto one week earlier.

Rating: 2 Units

Verlander has a stellar 11-5 postseason record, but none of those victories occurred in the World Series, where he went 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in three career starts for the Tigers. The 34-year-old's arrival in Houston changed the complexion of the rotation, providing the team with a second ace alongside Dallas Keuchel as well as raising the stature of the organization. Hill is 1-2 with a 3.96 ERA in six career postseason starts and is making his World Series debut.

Rating: 2 Units

Verlander went up against Severino in Game 2 and earned the win while hurling a 124-pitch complete game. The former AL MVP yielded one run and five hits while striking out 13 and walking one to earn his third win in as many 2017 postseason appearances. Verlander is 8-0 with a 1.39 ERA in eight appearances since arriving in a trade from the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 31.

Rating: 2 Units

Severino allowed three runs and four hits - two homers - while striking out nine Indians in his Game 3 victory, which helped turn the tide in that series. He was hit hard in two regular-season meetings with the Astros, allowing nine runs and 15 hits in 11 2/3 frames, and has had his issues with Carlos Correa (3-for-4, two doubles and two walks), Yuli Gurriel (4-for-5, one double) and Marwin Gonzalez (2-for-5, one home run). Houston starter, Verlander has won each of his two outings this postseason, including 2 2/3-inning relief appearance in the decisive Game 4 win over Boston in the ALDS. The 34-year-old has posted a 3.55 ERA in five career starts in the ALCS, including an eight-inning outing in which he allowed one run and struck out 10 in his last such outing against the Red Sox in 2013. Verlander will be wary of Todd Frazier (5-for-17, two homers) and Didi Gregorius (2-for-6, one homer, one double), but he should go right after Aaron Hicks (0-for-9, four strikeouts).

Rating: 2 Units

Bauer aided the Indians' sprint to the finish by going 9-1 with a 2.42 ERA over his last 13 games (12 starts) and allowed two runs in 13 innings over his final two starts. Two of those 13 outings came against New York on Aug. 4 and Aug. 30, and the UCLA product breezed to wins in both by scattering two runs over 13 frames and striking out 11. Bauer, who gets the start over Cy Young candidate Kluber so that Kluber can come back on regular rest in a potential Game 5 or Game 1 of the ALCS, went 0-2 with a 5.27 ERA in five games (four starts) during the 2016 postseason.

Rating: 2 Units

Gossett will try to keep the ball in the park after serving up seven home runs in 14 1/3 innings over his last three starts, including four in a loss to Seattle on Monday. The 24-year-old rookie from South Carolina, who is 0-3 in his last five turns on the road, surrendered seven runs on six hits and two walks over 4 1/3 frames in the setback. Gossett, who has allowed 20 homers in 89 2/3 innings, will be facing Texas for the first time.

Rating: 2 Units

Boston's recent slump has put the American League East race back in the picture, and the New York Yankees are sitting two games behind with two left to play. The Red Sox surged into first place in the East on the strength of a solid pitching staff but is seeing that erode of late and did not have a starter log a quality start in the last turn through the rotation. The Astros (100-60) aren't likely to roll over for Boston as they try to hunt down the Cleveland Indians (101-59) for the best record in the AL and homefield advantage throughout the AL playoffs. Houston, which is riding a five-game winning streak, will send Lance McCullers Jr. to the mound on Saturday while the Red Sox try to coax a quality start out of lefty Drew Pomeranz.

Rating: 2 Units

The season can't end soon enough for Kennedy, who has gone more than two months without a victory and bunched all four of his wins in a nine-start stretch from June 16 to July 26. He lost his third straight start and dropped to 0-7 in his last 10 appearances, giving up five runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings at the White Sox last time out. He has yielded 33 homers, 14 in his last nine starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Straily settled for a no-decision Sunday at Arizona despite logging his first quality start in September, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over six innings. The 28-year-old Marshall product, who fanned nine to set a career high for strikeouts in a season with 167, has fared much better at home (5-3, 3.18 ERA) than on the road (5-6, 4.95). Straily is 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA in four starts versus the Braves this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Miley will be making his 200th career appearance (196th start) and is looking to match last season's win total. He has failed to do so each of the last four times he's taken the hill, going 0-4 with a 9.92 ERA in September. Tampa Bay starter, Odorizzi won four of his last five starts and has a chance to match his career high for victories, first accomplished in 2014. The former first-round pick has yielded three earned runs over 22 1/3 innings this month and limited the Orioles to an unearned run and three hits across six innings his last time out.

Rating: 2 Units

McCullers will make his first start since Sept. 6 due to arm fatigue and second since July 30 after dealing with a back injury. The All-Star, who is winless over his last six outings, did not factor in the decision in his last turn at Seattle nearly three weeks ago, when he permitted three runs in 5 1/3 frames. Albert Pujols is 4-for-20 with a home run and Mike Trout 1-for-15 with a homer against McCullers, who has allowed only one unearned run over 13 2/3 innings in two starts versus the Angels this season. Los Angeles starter, Skaggs fell to 1-5 since coming off the disabled list Aug. 5 after allowing two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 frames against Cleveland on Tuesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Perdomo worked around six walks and snapped a two-start losing streak on Monday by holding Arizona to two runs over 5 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old figures to enter next season in the Padres’ rotation but will need to improve his control after posting a 110-to-62 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season. Perdomo is 0-3 with a 6.58 ERA in six career games (four starts) against Colorado and has struggled to contain Carlos Gonzalez (5-for-10, home run).

Rating: 2 Units

The Red Sox pitching staff is leading the way of late and secured its third shutout in four games with Saturday's 5-0 triumph - the 11th time in the last 17 games that the staff surrendered three or fewer runs. The Reds are losers of five straight and struggling to play spoiler with each of those setbacks coming against teams fighting for playoff position. Cincinnati starter, Stephens is making his third major-league start and is coming off the worst outing of his brief career after surrendering five runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings against St. Louis on Tuesday. The 23-year-old yielded a total of four home runs in 8 2/3 innings across his two starts. Stephens went 7-10 with a 4.92 ERA in 26 games - 25 starts - at Triple-A Louisville before joining the Reds.

Rating: 2 Units

Dickey is winless in his last three starts, allowing 17 runs - 16 earned - and 22 hits with eight walks over 14 1/3 innings in that span. The 42-year-old knuckleballer, who has a 119-118 lifetime record, needs one triumph to reach double digits in victories for the sixth straight season and seventh overall. Jayson Werth (13-for-29, two homers) and Ryan Zimmerman (15-for-42, four) have caused trouble for Dickey, who is 4-9 against Washington in his career.

Rating: 2 Units

Corbin is 6-1 with a 2.12 ERA in his last seven starts, and he allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings against the Rockies his last time out last Wednesday. With 14 wins on the season, Corbin has tied his previous high that he set in 2013 and one more tonight would make him a 15-game winner for the first time. The Diamondbacks are 14-6 in the last 20 meetings of these two.

Rating: 2 Units

Walker settled for a no-decision against Colorado last Tuesday, allowing two runs with five walks over six innings. The 25-year-old is 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA over his last four starts and has pitched well against San Francisco this season, going 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in four outings. Jarrett Parker is 4-for-14 with a home run against Walker, who has not allowed more than three earned runs over his last 15 road starts dating back to 2016, the longest active streak in the majors.

Rating: 2 Units

Gibson won his fourth straight decision after posting his fifth consecutive quality start Tuesday versus San Diego, allowing four hits while striking out six over as many scoreless innings. The Indiana native hasn't surrendered more than two runs in any outing during his five-start unbeaten streak, posting a 26:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 1.38 ERA over that span. Gibson won his head-to-head with Biagini on Aug. 27 after permitting two runs in seven frames, improving to 2-1 with a 4.45 ERA in five starts versus the Blue Jays.

Rating: 2 Units

Teheran has rediscovered his command a bit in his past four starts, going 4-0 with eight walks, 20 strikeouts and a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings. The 26-year-old continues to improve on his home numbers after an awful start to the season, carrying a 6.47 home ERA through 15 starts at SunTrust Park into Sunday. Teheran is 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA in four starts versus the Mets in 2017 and 8-4 with a 2.56 ERA in 19 career appearances (18 starts) against them.

Rating: 2 Units

Greinke is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA and 0.86 WHIP over his last four starts and has won eight of his past 10 decisions. The 33-year-old typically enjoys success against San Francisco as he stands 10-2 with a 2.56 ERA in 16 career starts, including a 4-0 mark and 1.66 ERA in six outings at AT&T Park. San Francisco starter, Bumgarner has lost three straight starts and allowed 11 runs in as many innings over his last two turns during an uncharacteristically poor stretch. The 28-year-old has served up six homers during the span, which began with him allowing two runs (both on homers) and five hits over seven innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks. Bumgarner is 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts against Arizona this season, 9-9 with a 2.58 ERA in 29 career appearances (28 starts) and has experienced difficulties with Paul Goldschmidt (17-for-55, two homers).