Thursday, April 14, 2011

Evening Shade: Michael Pineda’s first start won’t be easy

Most weekday evenings,�the�Stew looks at a few approaching games that will be worth monitoring on that night's dial. Feel free to discuss the schedule's happenings in the comments below.

Mariners at Rangers, 8:05 ET Tonight's �mission, should M's rookie Michael Pineda choose to accept it: Make his major league debut while facing the high-powered Texas Rangers in their home ballpark that regularly eats pitchers who hold far more experience. Oh, and stop Nelson Cruz's home run streak at four straight games while he's at it. No pressure, rook.

Red Sox at Indians, 7:05 My, how time flies. On this date last year, Josh Beckett was busy signing a four-year, $68 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Tonight, he'll hopes to finally start proving that he's worth it as Boston looks for its first win.

Mets at Phillies, 7:05 Cole Hamels, your turn in the rotation is ready.

A's at Blue Jays, 7:07 Toronto slugger Jose Bautista already has two homers this season, but he's a no-go for this series. He'll miss the next three games for personal reasons.

Angels at Rays, 6:40 Tampa Bay's quest to notch their first win ? heck, their first multi-run game ? doesn't get any easier tonight. The Rays will face Jered Weaver, who allowed only two hits over 6 1/3 innings against the Royals on opening day. Things will get considerably easier for TB's offense if they can get into the Angels bullpen. That's where rookie Jordan Walden has already replaced Fernando Rodney as closer.

Astros at Reds, 7:10 Is this the opposite of a "something's got to give?" game? It's definitely the only matchup of an undefeated team (Cincinnati) and a winless squad (Houston) on tonight's schedule. J.A. Happy goes up against Mike Leake.

Dodgers at Rockies, 8:40 Best pitching matchup of the night?�Clayton Kershaw gets his second start of the season, Jhoulys Chacin his first.


Arizona Cardinals Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies Denver Broncos Paul Pierce

No comments:

Post a Comment