See Wednesday’s Games of the Day post for thoughts on Mat Latos against Johan Santana and Josh Johnson and Roy Halladay.

Oakland tries to stop the Angels surge as Ervin Santana takes on Trevor Cahill. Santana is back to his 2008 level of pitching after injuries slowed him in 2009. He pitches well on the road this season, with a 2.61 ERA in 48 1/3 innings, and only five home runs allowed compared to seven at home. Cahill is another low strikeout, low walk pitcher finding success this season. He has yet to allow a home run at home this season.

The Braves take on the Diamondbacks as Tommy Hanson faces Dontrelle Willis. Hanson’s ERA is about one run higher than his rookie season, even though his three true outcomes are about the same, and in the case of strikeouts, better. His hits allowed have gone up, making me wonder if the Braves defense isn’t as good behind Tommy as they were last season. UZR does show a poorer performance by the team this season. Willis did not allow a run in his first Diamondbacks start, although he walked four and allowed five hits in six innings of work. I don’t think he’ll get away with that kind of performance too often.

Enjoy!