Pitching matchups for Tuesday’s MLB games

We have another full 15-game slate Tuesday in MLB, with the first game starting at 6:40 p.m. ET between the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds. We are going to look at the best pitching matchup and the sleeper pitching matchup that could turn out to be a pitchers’ duel.

Here’s a look at the pitching matchups for Tuesday’s 15-game MLB slate on May 18th.

Best Matchup: Lance Lynn vs. Michael Pineda

Note: Pineda was scratched from tonight’s start. Bailey Ober will pitch for the Twins.

The best/top pitching matchup on the mound Tuesday is happening at 7:40 p.m. ET between the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins. The White Sox defeated the Twins 16-4 in the first game of their three-game set. Lance Lynn will be on the mound for Chicago, which is opposed by Michael Pineda for the Twins.

This season, Lynn has been one of the White Sox’s best starting pitchers with a record of 4-1 and 1.30 ERA through six starts. He also has recorded 44 strikeouts in 34.2 IP. In his last start, the 34-year-old pitcher faced off against the Twins. He only allowed 3 walks, 2 hits, 1 earned, but struck out 9 hitters in only 5.0 IP. Meanwhile, Pineda has been a steady option for a Twins’ team that is one of the worst in the majors.

The 32-year-old pitcher has a record of 2-2 and an ERA of 2.79 through seven starts this season. Just like Lynn, Pineda has racked up the strikeouts too with 39 in only 38.2 IP. The one-time All-Star last pitched Thursday against the White Sox. Despite receiving the loss, Pineda only gave up 4 hits (2 HRs), 3 earned runs, 3 walks, and struck out 7 hitters in 5.1 IP. This season, the former New York Yankees starter has allowed three earned or less in six out of seven starts.

Sleeper Matchup: Spencer Turnball vs. Justin Dunn

There were a few good candidates for the sleeper matchup on Tuesday’s slate. However, we decided to go with the final game on the schedule between the Tigers and Mariners at 10:10 p.m. ET. Turnball will get the start for the Tigers, while Dunn will be on the mound for the Mariners.

Turnball has a record of 2-2 and an ERA of 3.91 through five starts this season. He is coming off one of his best outings last week against the Kansas City Royals. The 28-year-old gave up 6 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and recorded 7 strikeouts in a season-high 6.1 IP. As for Dunn, he has a record of 1-1 and an ERA of 3.72 through six starts this season. In his last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dunn struggled on the mound. He only gave up 3 hits, 3 walks, 2 earned runs, 1 earned run, and recorded two strikeouts in 3.0 IP (72 pitches).

Giants vs. Reds: Anthony DeSclafani vs. Luis Castillo
Marlins vs. Phillies: Cody Poteet vs. Zack Wheeler
Rays vs. Orioles: Luis Patino vs. Matt Harvey
Mets vs. Braves: TBD vs. Charlie Morton
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Hyun Jin Ryu
White Sox vs. Twins: Lance Lynn vs. Bailey Ober
Nationals vs. Cubs: Patrick Corbin vs. Zach Davies
Pirates vs. Cardinals: JT Brubaker vs. John Gant
Yankees vs. Rangers: Jameson Taillon vs. Mike Foltynewicz
Brewers vs. Royals: Brandon Woodruff vs. Danny Duffy
Indians vs. Indians: Zach Plesac vs. Andrew Heaney
Astros vs. Athletics: Christian Javier vs. Sean Manaea
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers: Corbin Martin vs. Julio Urias
Rockies vs. Padres: Austin Gomber vs. Blake Snell
Tigers vs. Mariners: Spencer Turnbull vs. Justin Dunn