Key Pitching Matchups: 8/29-8/31

Monday, August 29, 2016:

• Citi Field

RHP Jose Fernandez (MIA) v. RHP Rafael Montero (NYM)

The Miami Marlins are just a game and a half out of the NL Wild Card spot and enjoying one of their most successful seasons in years. Jose Fernandez (2.91,13-7) is dominant at home and seems to not be as effective on the road so dueling against the division rivals in the conclusion of the season where every game counts can definitely bring out the best in every pitcher.

Fans were anticipating the duel between Fernandez and the Mets’ Jacob deGrom, but with his start skipped, New York will now send right-hander Rafael Montero to the mound for his first start of the season. Montero has had a rough season in both Double-A and Triple-A and will need to control a strong Marlins’ offense.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016:

• Oriole Park at Camden Yards

LHP J.A. Happ (TOR) v. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (BAL)

With the Toronto Blue Jays currently at the top of the American League East ahead of the Red Sox and the Orioles by just a game and a half, sending their Ace J.A. Happ (3.19, 17-4) out to the mound is important in every one of his starts to keep the Jays ahead. The left-hander has had two rough outings as of late and will need to rebound to lead Toronto over the O’s.

The O’s are struggling when it comes to their pitching staff. Their issues in the starting rotation have caused an over-use of their bullpen which now leads the American League with numbers of innings pitched by a relief staff. Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez (6.62, 5-11) has spent this season in the starting rotation as well as the bullpen. He was solid in his last start against the Washington Nationals last week where he allowed just one run in six innings of work.

Wednesday, July 31, 2016:

• Globe Life Park in Arlington

RHP Felix Hernandez v. LHP Martin Perez

King Felix has been virtually unstoppable since coming off the disabled list. His record this season is 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA but in his career hasn’t been that successful. The Mariners aren’t mathematically out of post-season talk just yet as they are tied with the Houston Astros for second in the American League West, just three games back in the Wild Card.

The Texas Rangers are the likely winners of the AL West as they are eight and a half games ahead. Left-hander Martin Perez takes the start on Wednesday and for him this has been the tale of two seasons since the All-Star Break. Nearly dominant the first half of the season, Perez has failed to keep the opponent at bay especially in his most recent start last week against the Cleveland Indians. In that start Perez allowed six runs and ten hits and has allowed at least five runs in six of his last ten outings sending his earned-run average in that span way above six.