Monday’s MLB action will begin just before noon. The Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox get things started at 11:10 a.m. ET, but the rest of the games are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. or later. There are only seven games on tap, and we’ve identified some pitching matchups worth keeping an eye on as the day does on.
Best Matchup: Brandon Woodruff vs. Joe Musgrove
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Woodruff has put together two strong outings since opening 2021 with a poor showing against the Minnesota Twins. The 2019 All-Star has only given up four hits and a run in his last two starts. Musgrave is just one start removed from a perfect game. The San Diego Padres right-hander has only given up one run in 19 innings this season. He’s averaging 11.4 K’s per 9 innings.
Sleeper Matchup: Jack Flaherty vs. Joe Ross
The St. Louis Cardinals’ Flaherty wasn’t among the favorites to win the National League’s Cy Young Award in 2020 but finished fourth in 2019. He’s off to a slow start this year, and things could get tough against a Washington Nationals team that has the second-highest batting average (.267) in MLB. Joe Ross is 1-0 and hasn’t given up a single run in 11 innings of work. He’s also tallied nine strikeouts. He opted out for 2020 and is off to a great start after taking a one-year break.
Here’s a look at the pitching matchups for Monday’s 8-game MLB slate on April 19.
White Sox vs. Red Sox: Lucas Giolito vs. Nathan Eovaldi
Giants vs. Phillies: Kevin Gausman vs. Chase Anderson
Cardinals vs. Nationals: Jack Flaherty vs. Joe Ross
Rays vs. Royals: Josh Fleming vs. Danny Duffy
Rangers vs. Angels: Kohei Arihara vs. Dylan Bundy
Dodgers vs. Mariners: Dustin May vs. Justus Sheffield
Brewers vs. Padres: Brandon Woodruff vs. Joe Musgrove