Oakland sends Cole Irvin against Jameson Taillon and the Yankees Wednesday afternoon in The Bronx. Irvin and Taillon own similar ERAs, 3.29 for Irvin versus 3.19 for Taillon. Irvin stands 2-5 as the Athletics score two runs or less in eight of his appearances, while the Yankees scored two runs or less in only four of Taillon’s appearances. The Yankees won two of those games, while the A’s are 2-6 for Irvin.

At the same time across town, Justin Verlander takes on the Mets and Taijuan Walker. Houston goes for a four-game season series sweep of New York. Teams try to bat left-handers against Verlander, but he’s holding that group to a .159/.232/.232 slash line. That’s right, no on base and no power. Walker allowed just three home runs this season in 65 1/3 innings. He’ll have a challenge from Houston as the Astros are second in the AL in home runs at 102.

The Red Sox send Nick Pivetta against the Blue Jays and Alek Manoah in a battle for second place in the AL East. After a rough early season, Pivetta is 8-1 with a 1.85 ERA in his last ten starts. Manoah improved on his rookie season by reducing his walk and home run rates.

Finally, the White Sox battle the Angels with Michael Kopech facing Shohei Ohtani. Kopech came into his own this season as a full-time starter. He allowed just 34 hits in 62 2/3 innings for a 2.59 ERA. Ohtani worked well from the mound in June, 3-1 with a 1.88 ERA.

Enjoy!