Pitching matchups for Saturday’s MLB games

We have a loaded 16-game schedule Saturday in the majors with the first game starting at 2:10 p.m. ET between the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers. We are going to look at the best pitching matchup and the sleeper pitching matchup that could turn out to be a pitchers’ duel.

Best Matchup: Zach Eflin vs. Jacob deGrom

Even though this is not the best pitching matchup on paper Saturday slate, you cannot go wrong with Jacob deGrom. The Mets ace has been the best pitcher in baseball this year with a historic 0.50 ERA and 7-2 record. In his last start against the Braves, the two-time NL Cy Young winner allowed 1 hit, 2 walks, and had 6 strikeouts in 5.0 IP. This season at Citi Field, deGrom is 4-2 with a 0.77 ERA in eight outings.

Sleeper Matchup: Framber Valdez vs. Casey Mize

The Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers will play a doubleheader Saturday after their game on Friday night was postponed due to weather. The first game will feature a solid matchup between Framber Valdez and Casey Mize. Valdez has pitched well since coming back from a rehab stint on May 28. The 27-year-old has a 4-0 record and 1.67 ERA through five outings this season.

Mize is starting round into form after a rough start to begin the year. The former top pick currently has a 4-4 record and 3.61 ERA in 14 starts this season. In his last start against the Angels, the former top pick gave up 8 hits (2 HRs), 3 earned runs, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts in 5.0 IP.

Here’s a look at the pitching matchups for Saturday’s 16-game MLB slate on June 26.

Astros vs. Tigers: Framber Valdez vs. Casey Mize
Indians vs. Twins: Sam Hentges vs. Kenta Maeda
Mariners vs. White Sox: Logan Gilbert vs. Lance Lynn
Pirates vs. Cardinals: JT Brubaker vs. Adam Wainwright
Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Keegan Akin vs. Hyun Jin Ryu
Royals vs. Rangers: TBD vs. Kyle Gibson
Angels vs. Rays: Alex Cobb vs. Shane McClanahan
Braves vs. Reds: Ian Anderson vs. Luis Castillo
Rockies vs. Brewers: Antonio Senzatela vs. Adrian Houser
Astros vs. Tigers: Lance McCullers Jr. vs. Wily Peralta
Phillies vs. Mets: Zach Eflin vs. Jacob deGrom
Nationals vs. Marlins: Patrick Corbin vs. Zach Thompson
Cubs vs. Dodgers: Alec Mills vs. Julio Urias
Yankees vs. Red Sox: Jordan Montgomery vs. Nathan Eovaldi
Athletics vs. Giants: Frankie Montas vs. Alex Wood
Diamondbacks vs. Padres: Merrill Kelly vs. Dinelson Lamet