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We have another 15-game slate on deck in the majors Tuesday, beginning at 6:40 p.m. ET. Before first pitch between the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, we’ll take a look at the best games on the schedule, rookies to keep an eye out for, and fantasy spotlight.
Best Games To Watch
The best game to watch on a jam-packed sports night will be at 9:40 p.m. ET between the Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics. The Athletics are currently in first place in the AL West, while the Astros are only a half-game behind in second place. Christian Javier (3-1, 3.08 ERA) will be on the mound for Houston, who will be opposed by Sean Manaea (3-2, 4.40) for Oakland.
Other games to check out that will also be on TV include the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers continuing their three-game series at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Then on ESPN+, the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels will play at 9:38 p.m. ET. The Indians will look to snap their four-game losing streak, while the Angels will try to extend their winning streak to three games.
Fantasy Spotlight
For Tuesday, we are going to highlight Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who is a serious candidate to win the AL MVP this season. Ohtani crushed his league-leading 13th home run on Monday night against the Cleveland Indians, which is just further solidifying his MVP chances. The 26-year-old is slashing .263/.313/.612 with 13 home runs and 26 RBI. Along with his success at the plate, Ohtani is also dominating on the mound. He has a record 1-0 with a dazzling ERA of 2.10 in five starts. He also has produced 40 strikeouts in only 25.2 IP. The last time we saw Ohtani dominate in both phases like this, he ended up winning the AL Rookie of the Year.
Rookies to Watch
To finish up our preview for Tuesday’s slate, we are going to discuss Arizona Diamondbacks rookie first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith. The former seventh overall pick has been a key cog in their success and offense without Ketel Marte, who is still on the injured list. The 25-year-old Smith is hitting .264/.314/.417 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI in his first full season in the majors. Last season, he saw some at-bats for the Diamondbacks during the shortened year, where he slugged .270/.341/.405 with a home run and 4 RBI.
MLB regular season schedule for Tuesday, May 18th
If no streaming option is listed, game is available on MLB.tv pending blackout restrictions.
Giants vs. Reds, 6:40 p.m. ET
Marlins vs. Phillies, 7:05 p.m. ET
Rays vs. Orioles, 7:05 p.m. ET
Mets vs. Braves, 7:20 p.m. ET
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays, 7:37 p.m. ET
White Sox vs. Twins, 7:40 p.m. ET
Nationals vs. Cubs, 7:40 p.m. ET
Pirates vs. Cardinals, 7:45 p.m. ET
Yankees vs. Rangers, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Brewers vs. Royals, 8:10 p.m. ET
Indians vs. Indians, 9:38 p.m. ET, ESPN+
Astros vs. Athletics, 9:40 p.m. ET
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. ET
Rockies vs. Padres, 10:10 p.m. ET
Tigers vs. Mariners, 10:10 p.m. ET
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