A 16-game slate will carry MLB into the weekend on Friday, and start times for matchups range from 3:10 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. ET. There are plenty of quality arms set to take the mound, and we’ve identified a few key pitching matchups worth keeping an eye on.
Best matchup: Sandy Alcantara vs. Clayton Kershaw
The Miami Marlins aren’t quite on the same level as the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Alcantara has been one of their best starters. Only six pitchers have thrown for more innings than the 25-year-old this year. Alcantara has a 1.01 WHIP and 2.72 ERA. His BABIP (.242) is also solid. He’ll test his stuff against one of the most potent lineups in baseball. Kershaw is one of the few pitchers who’s won five games this season. His WHIP (.99) is elite so far, and he’s only walked eight batters in 44 2⁄3 innings.
Sleeper matchup: Johan Oviedo vs. Joe Musgrove
The San Diego Padres’ Musgrove is one of three pitchers in MLB who have amassed more than 50 Ks in less than 40 innings. While he’s only 2-4 through seven starts, he boasts a .85 WHIP and .238 BABIP. Only the New York Mets have given up fewer runs than the Padres, so the St. Louis Cardinals could have a tough time. Oviedo hasn’t gotten a ton of action so far this season, but his BABIP .206 is absurd through three starts. The 23-year-old’s WHIP (1.04) is also respectable, and seeing him build on his body of work after giving up two home runs in his last game should be interesting.
Here’s a look at the pitching matchups for Friday’s 16-game MLB slate on May 14th.
Royals vs. White Sox: Brad Keller vs. Lucas Giolito
Giants vs. Pirates: Kevin Gausman vs. Tyler Anderson
Yankees vs. Orioles: Corey Kluber vs. Dean Kremer
Angels vs. Red Sox: Griffin Canning vs. Nick Pivetta
Cubs vs. Tigers: Jake Arrieta vs. Tarik Skubal
Mets vs. Rays: David Peterson vs. Tyler Glasnow
Phillies vs. Blue Jays: Vince Velasquez vs. Steven Matz
Braves vs. Brewers: Drew Smyly vs. Adrian Houser
Royals vs. White Sox (double-header): Brad Keller vs. Lucas Giolito
Athletics vs. Twins: Frankie Montas vs. Matt Shoemaker
Rangers vs. Astros: Wes Benjamin vs. Zack Greinke
Reds vs. Rockies: Wade Miley vs. German Marquez
Nationals vs. Diamondbacks: Max Scherzer vs. Riley Smith
Indians vs. Mariners: Aaron Civale vs. Chris Flexen
Marlins vs. Dodgers: Sandy Alcantara vs. Clayton Kershaw
Cardinals vs. Padres: Johan Oviedo vs. Joe Musgrove