MLB Pitching Match-Up of the Day (4/25/17)
By Matt Meffe
Today’s MLB pitching match-up of the day features a former Young winner on a hot streak taking on a struggling pitcher looking to rebound.
Several teams went into the 2017 season with high expectations. Many predicted that the Houston Astros would finish the season at the top of the AL West. So far, the Astros have met those expectations, and are currently sitting comfortably in first place. The Astros may be the most balanced team in MLB with their combination of youth and experience. A large portion of their success this season has revolved around their pitching staff. The Astros are currently fourth in the AL with a 3.31 team ERA. Their pitchers lead the AL (and are fourth in all of baseball) with 180 strikeouts.
The Cleveland Indians have the same expectations after making it to the 2016 World Series. So far, the Indians have met their expectations, currently sitting at the top of the AL Central standings tied with the Tigers. The AL Central is close, and the division has some potential wild cards. The Indians are arguably the most complete team in that division, but their pitching staff has struggled a bit out of the gate. The Indians last year finished second in the AL in ERA. This year, they are 12th (4.19 team ERA).
This brings us to our pitching match-up of the day: Dallas Keuchel (Astros) versus Josh Tomlin (Indians).