Sunday, 4/17 – Giants vs. Dodgers
Time: 8:05 PM EDT
Yes, for the second time this weekend I’m picking Los Angeles vs. San Francisco as the game to watch. Honestly it was tempting to do it all three days. The pitching match-ups in this series are consistently interesting, and both teams should content for the NL West crown.
The Giants send will send out Jeff Samardzija in this one. He was one of the more polarizing contract signings this offseason. San Francisco signed him to a five-year, $90 million contract, but he was coming off one of the worst full seasons in his career. In 2015 Samardzija started 32 games for the White Sox, and accumulated a 4.96 ERA. He also led the league in hits against (228) and earned runs allowed (118). This early season test against a division rival will give him a chance to make a statement. So far this season he has a 3.38 ERA in two starts.
The Dodgers will also get an early look at a new acquisition. Kenta Maeda, who previously pitched for eight seasons in Japan, was signed by the Dodgers in January. Many were surprised to hear that he signed for eight years and only $25 million. However, concerns about his health kept his price down, and he has the opportunity to make significantly more money through incentives. In two starts this season Maeda is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Opponents are only hitting .222 against him, but San Francisco will try and be the first team to get the better of the 28-year-old right-hander.
Honorable Mention: Steven Matz and Corey Kluber provide an intriguing pitching match-up as the Mets and Indians square off at 1:10 PM EST.