The Red Sox trail the Rays and Yankees by 5 1/2 games as they open a three-game series in Tampa Bay. Jon Lester faces David Price in a battle of good, young left-handers. Lester pitcher 14 1/3 scoreless innings before giving up nine runs in two innings in his last outing. Tampa Bay handled him well this season, drawing eight walks in 12 innings and hitting two home runs. Price is right at home in Tampa, with a 2.11 ERA in 11 starts. He’s struck out 75 and walked 28 in his 76 2/3 home innings.

The White Sox try to bring the Yankees back to the pack as well as A.J. Burnett visits Freddy Garcia. Burnett’s high ERA this year seems to be due to a big drop in strikeouts leading to a higher BA allowed. Freddy Garcia is channeling Jack Morris from late in his career. Garcia is a high ERA pitcher with a good won/loss record due to good run support. The Yankees should be able to take him deep as he gives up 32 home runs per 200 innings.

Ubaldo Jimenez makes another try at his 18th win as no one can get by the 17 win barrier. He hosts Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. Kershaw pitched somewhat better on the road this season, as only two of his ten homers came away from Dodger Stadium. Jimenez pitched well in his first three attempts at 18 wins, but for the first time this season he’s been bitten by poor support.

The Phillies face the Padres with Roy Oswalt taking the mound against Mat Latos. Owalt is proving to be a good pickup for Philadelphia as his ERA with them is a run lower than it was with the Astros. He also won 3 of his five starts. Latos presents a lot to like; high strikeouts, a good walk rate, and a good home run rate. Opponents are hitting just .192 against him, the lowest in the NL. With the Phillies offensive woes lately, this is a tough match-up for breaking out of a slump.

Enjoy!