The Cardinals travel down the Ohio River to Cincinnati as Adam Wainwright takes on Mat Latos. The Cardinals share the NL Central lead with the Pirates, the Reds sitting 3 1/2 games back. Wainwright is coming off his worst start of the season, in which he gave up eight hits and two walks in two innings, leading to nine runs. There have been criticisms of Wainwright being over used this season, given his injury history. We’ll see; anyone could have a poor start. Latos’s 3.03 ERA is one of the best single season marks of his career, mostly due to his limiting home runs.

The Tigers visit a wet Beantown as Doug Fister battle John Lackey. Fister is showing his usual great control this season, walking 33 in 172 2/3 innings. Lackey owns a 2.24 ERA at Fenway, where he allowed just six of his 21 homers.

The Orioles and Indians both try to gain on the wild card leaders as they send Bud Norris and Justin Masterson to the mound. Bud is 3-1 since joining the Orioles, but he hasn’t pitched that well, posting a 4.91 ERA. He’s walked 18 in 33 innings with the O’s. Masterson was knocked around in his first start against Baltimore, giving up two homers and six runs.

Finally, the Rangers travel to Oakland to take on the Athletics in a battle for the division lead. Derek Holland faces Dan Straily. Holland is tough on the road, 7-1 with a 2.85 ERA. He’s allowed just four home runs in 94 2/3 innings, and the Oakland ballpark should not hurt that. Straily allowed 11 runs against the Rangers in three starts covering 16 innings this season.

Enjoy!