Saturday features two early afternoon games with great pitching match ups. The Tigers and Twins start the day with Jordan Zimmermann trying to extend his record to 5-0 against Tyler Duffey. Zimmermann allowed three runs, one earned, in 26 innings so far this season. After allowing 24 home runs in 2015, his high for a season, he’s yet to give up a long ball in 2016. He struck out just 16 batters so far, so the Twins batters might find some holes with balls in play. Duffey made a short start in his first of the season, but in his short career he owns a 3.05 ERA, striking out 54 batters in 62 innings.

In St. Louis, the Nationals send Joe Ross against Jaime Garcia. Ross serves as the Nationals replacement for Zimmermann, and so far Joe responded with a 0.54 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. He also has not allowed a home run. Garcia strength throughout his career has been his low home run total. In 749 1/3 innings he allowed just 53 homers.

Blue Jays and Rays continue their series in Florida with J.A. Happ taking on Chris Archer. Happ allows his fielders to help him out, walking six and striking out 13 in 26 innings. Archer tamed his wildness in his last start, walking none and striking out 10 in 6 2/3 innings against the tough Orioles offense.

The White Sox and Orioles each stand in first place as Mat Latos battles Kevin Gausman. Latos is another veteran off to a good start in the AL Central. He goes for his fifth win against no losses. His 0.74 ERA is helped a great deal by the White Sox defense, as Latos walked 7 and struck out 13 in 24 1/3 innings. Opponents are putting the ball in play, but they are not getting through for hits. Latos’s FIP is 3.53, so he could be in store for some regression. Gausman pitched well in his first start of the season, walking two and striking out seven in five innings.

Enjoy!