Game #46 Preview: Peterson vs Ryu

The Blue Jays and Mets wrap up their 3 game series in Buffalo this afternoon, with the series knotted up at 1 win apiece. Today’s game gets underway at 3:07 EDT.

Blue Jays’ Starter

Ace Hyun-Jin Ryu gets the ball for the Jays, looking to bounce back from his rough outing his last time out. In that start against the Yankees, Ryu allowed 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5 but also allowing 3 home runs over his 5 innings. It was his worst start of the season, but luckily the Jays’ bats bounced back huge for him, and the Jays still won that game. I’d rather save the need for big bats for a non-Ryu start, and just let him have a dominating start instead.

Ryu’s season numbers took a bit of a hit thanks to that start against the Yankees, but they’re still looking pretty good. Over 9 starts and 48 innings, Ryu is 3-1 with a 3.19 ERA and a bit worse 3.55 FIP. He is striking out nearly 10 batters per 9 innings, while walking just 2.63, which is a high number for him but pretty much a full walk per 9 below league average. He’s good, and even with a bad start mixed in, his numbers are still where such a big Free Agent signing should be.

Mets’ Starter

Rookie left hander David Peterson heads to the mound for the Mets. Peterson had never pitched above AA before this season, but was pressed into action earlier this season, with this being his 7th start and 8th appearance overall. In 31.2 innings, Peterson is 4-1 with a 4.26 ERA. His FIP is also a bit worse than his ERA, sitting at 4.71, which is heavily pulled down by his ability thus far to keep the ball on the ground and in the ballpark. He has allowed just 3 home runs overall, but it’s his inability to generate strikeouts and limit walks that has hurt so far. He has struck out just 24 against 17 walks, a combination that he will need to improve upon if he’s going to be a successful big leaguer.

Blue Jays’ Lineup

Cavan Biggio makes his first big league appearance at 3B (he had 7 games in the Minors), and is the only lefty bat in the lineup today.

Mets’ Lineup

Yesterday’s Heroes

Jose Abreu continued his excellent year, going 4-4 with 2 home runs, 5 runs scored and 7 driven in to pick up the Monster Bat award. He helped his White Sox cruise to the 14-0 win over the Tigers.

Jason Heyward hit a 3-run home run in the top of the 9th to put his Cubs on the board and ahead of the Brewers 3-2. The home run was worth .631 WPA, bringing his WPA King total up to .531 in the Cubs eventual 4-2 win.

Ian Anderson threw 7 shutout innings, allowing just 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out 9 to pick up the Pitcher of the Day award. He also picked up the win in the Braves’ 2-1 win over the Nationals.

Standings Watch

With just 15 games left on the Jays’ schedule, it’s time to put in an official standings watch.

The Jays are currently in second place in the AL East, 4.5 games back of the Rays for first, but just 0.5 games up on the Yankees for third. However, they’re 5.0 games ahead of the Tigers/Orioles/Mariners for the last playoff position.

Games Back of First: 4.5
Magic Number for a Playoff Spot: 11

Find the Link

Find the link between Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz.