The Brewers and Nationals finish their series Monday afternoon as Marco Estrada takes on Jordan Zimmermann in the nation’s capital. The Brewers trail the Cardinals by 2 1/2 games for the second NL Wild Card slot, while the Nationals magic number to clinch the NL East stands at six. Washington also holds a slim 1/2 game lead over the Reds for the best record in the National League. Today’s game is the game in hand for Washington. Estrada is someone who pitched better than his ERA, with an FIP of 3.43. His 129 K and 26 walks in 129 1/3 innings are outstanding, but his 17 home runs allowed are not. To paraphrase Annie Hall:
Granted, Estrada is a great pitcher. Great in his use of negative contact more than anything else. But that simple, cohesive core…Like all that Jered Weaver of the Spirits or Sabathyricon, I found it incredibly indulgent. You know, he really is. He’s one of the most indulgent pitchers. He really is…
Jordan Zimmermann has had a strange year. Early in the season he pitched well but didn’t win many games, then everything worked in July with a low ERA and a 4-0 record. Since the start of August, his ERA is high, but he’s on the winning side of the ledger.
The Blue Jays send Henderson Alvarez against the Orioles to try to hand a two-game losing streak on the O’s. Steve Johnson takes the hill for Baltimore. Henderson took pitching to contact to extremes against the Orioles this season, with three walks and two strikeouts in fourteen innings. Johnson’s great number mostly came in relief, but he won his first two starts this season. Rickey Romero and Chen Wei-Yin battle in the second game. Chen has not faced Toronto before.
Justin Verlander tries to pitch the Tigers into the playoffs as he host Luke Hochevar and the Royals. Justin is set up to pitch either the final game of the regular season on short rest, or a one-game playoff game if that’s needed.
Oakland trails the Rangers by four games as they open a four game series in Texas. The teams meet seven times in the last ten days, so if the A’s are going to win the division, they need little help from other teams. Daniel Straily takes on Derek Holland Monday night. Straily has decent K and BB number in his first five MLB starts, but allowed eight home runs in his first 28 1/3 innings. That plays into a Texas strength. Holland got knocked around in his only start against the A’s this year, but managed to walk away with a win. He’s pitching very well in September, however, with a 2.17 ERA thanks to six walks and 28 strikeouts in 29 innings.
Chris Sale goes for his 18th win as the White Sox come home to host the Indians. Sale held opponents to a .280 OBP this season, and a very stingy .181/.245/.274 slash line with men on base. The few who reach first don’t move very far.
Enjoy!