We have a full 15-game slate in the majors Friday, with the first game starting at 2:20 p.m. ET between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs. 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 Elfin vs. Charlie Morton
For the best pitching matchup on Friday, we could’ve easily chosen Blake Snell and Anthony DeSclafani, who will be facing off against each other for an unprecedented third time this season. However, we are going to look at another divisional battle in the NL East, which has the Philadelphia Phillies taking on the Atlanta Braves at 7:20 p.m. ET.
The last time these teams played each other in Atlanta, there was a controversial call in the last game, which gave the Phillies a win. Zach Elfin will be on the mound for Phillies, while the Braves will start Charlie Morton. This season, Eflin has been an outstanding No. 3 in the Phils’ rotation behind Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. The 27-year-old has a record of 1-1 and an ERA of 3.49 through six starts. The last time Eflin went against the Braves, he allowed 7 hits (1 HR), 4 earned runs, 1 walk, and only struck out 2 hitters in 6.0 IP.
Meanwhile, Morton has a record of 2-1 and ERA of 5.08 through six outings. The 37-year-old was dominant on the mound the last time he faced the Phillies (4 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts in 6.0 IP). Both teams are coming into this series off of sweeps and could really make an early-season statement for the NL East crown.
Sleeper Matchup: Brent Suter vs. Trevor Rogers
The Milwaukee Brewers will be looking to snap their five-game losing streak on Friday night when they play the Miami Marlins. Veteran pitcher Brent Suter will be on the mound for the Brew Crew, while the Marlins will give the ball to Trevor Rogers.
Rogers is just one of the many talented young pitchers that’s a part of Miami’s starting staff. The 23-year-old from New Mexico was named the National League’s Rookie of the Month for April. Rogers has a record of 3-2, 1.91 ERA, to go with 44 strikeouts in 33.0 IP. In his last start against the Nationals, the rookie pitcher allowed 4 hits (1 HR), 3 earned runs, 3 walks, but struck six in 5.0 IP. Through five starts this season, the southpaw is averaging 7.6 strikeouts per game. While all the attention will be on the Marlins’ young starter, do not forget about Suter. The Brewers starting pitcher has a record of 2-1 with an ERA of 2.70. This season, he has been predominantly used as a relief pitcher, making 12 appearances.
Here’s a look at the pitching matchups for Friday’s 15-game MLB slate on Friday, May 7th.
Pirates vs. Cubs: Trevor Cahill vs. Zach Davies
Red Sox vs. Orioles: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Matt Harvey
Nationals vs. Yankees: Patrick Corbin vs. Jameson Taillon
Diamondbacks vs. Mets: Zac Gallen vs. David Peterson
Reds vs. Indians: Wade Miley vs. Zach Plesac
Brewers vs. Marlins: TBD vs. Trevor Rogers
Twins vs. Tigers: Matt Shoemaker vs. Tarik Skubal
Phillies vs. Braves: Zach Eflin vs. Charlie Morton
Mariners vs. Rangers: Chris Flexen vs. Mike Foltynewicz
White Sox vs. Royals: Carlos Rodon vs. Brad Keller
Blue Jays vs. Astros: Ross Stripling vs. Jose Urquidy
Rockies vs. Cardinals: Austin Gomber vs. Jack Flaherty
Dodgers vs. Angels: Julio Urias vs. Griffin Canning
Rays vs. Athletics: Rich Hill vs. Sean Manaea
Padres vs. Giants: Blake Snell vs. Anthony DeSclafani