Pitching matchups for MLB games on Wednesday, June 2nd

We have a small 12-game slate Wednesday in the majors with the first game starting at 12:35 p.m. ET between the Philadelphia Phillies 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.

Best Matchup: Nick Pivetta vs. Framber Valdez

Since there aren’t many aces or top-tier pitchers on the mound, this matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Houston Red Sox is the best option on the slate. Pivetta has been the ace of the Red Sox’s starting rotation and could make a serious case to be an All-star. The former Phillies pitcher is currently 6-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 10 starts this season. Pivetta has done a complete 360 since joining the Red Sox last season, with a perfect 8-0 record and 3.53 ERA.

The 28-year-old Pivetta will be opposed by Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez, who is only making his second start of the season. In his first start last week against the San Diego Padres, Valdez only allowed 1 earned run and 2 hits in 4.0 IP.

Sleeper Matchup: Pablo Lopez vs. Alek Manoah

What will Alek Manoah do for an encore on Wednesday night against the Marlins? That is the question we are all wondering after an electrifying debut last week against the New York Yankees. The Blue Jays’ top pitching prospect did not allow a single run in 6.0 IP and struck out 7 hitters.

Meanwhile, Toronto’s offense will be going up against Marlins starter Pablo Lopez. Despite having a 1-3 record, Lopez has an ERA of 2.71 and produced 59 strikeouts in 63 IP. In his last three starts, the 25-year-old starting pitcher has only allowed 4 runs, 15 hits, and recorded 16 strikeouts.

Here’s a look at the pitching matchups for Wednesday’s 12-game MLB slate on June 2nd.

Phillies vs. Reds: Spencer Howard vs. Vladimir Gutierrez
White Sox vs. Indians: Lance Lynn vs. Eli Morgan
Padres vs. Cubs: Dinelson Lamet vs. Adbert Alzolay
Mets vs. Diamondbacks: David Peterson vs. Madison Bumgarner
Twins vs. Orioles: Randy Dobnak vs. Matt Harvey
Rays vs. Yankees: Shane McClanahan vs. Jordan Montgomery
Marlins vs. Blue Jays: Pablo Lopez vs. Alek Manoah
Nationals vs. Braves: TBD vs. Drew Smyly
Red Sox vs. Astros: Nick Pivetta vs. Framber Valdez
Rangers vs. Rockies: Jordan Lyles vs. Antonio Senzatela
Cardinals vs. Dodgers: Carlos Martinez vs. Walker Buehler
Athletics vs. Mariners: Sean Manaea vs. Chris Flexen