Carlos Villanueva (6-0, 2.92 ERA) will be the biggest challenge for Mariners hitters this series
Game 1
Ricky Romero (8-7, 5.75 ERA) vs Hisashi Iwakuma (1-2, 4.56 ERA)
Both Ricky Romero and Hisashi Iwakuma have gone winless in their past three starts. Romero (0-3) has easily been the worst pitcher over that stretch, amassing an ERA of 10.13 compared to Iwakuma’s (0-1) 3.94.
Romero has had some success against the Mariners going 1-1, 3.51 ERA and the only Seattle hitter batting over .300 against the Toronto lefty is Jesus Montero, who has one hit in three AB’s.
Over Iwakuma’s last two starts, 11 IP, he’s allowed three combined runs against the Yankees and Rays. Toronto also has a dangerous lineup with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion among the leagues best power hitters. Iwakuma doesn’t have much of a history against the Blue Jays hitters so there may be a few innings of adjustments to be made against the Seattle righty.
Game 2
Aaron Laffey (2-1, 3.22 ERA) vs Jason Vargas (11-7, 3.76 ERA)
Jason Vargas has been as dominating as ever over his last three starts. Vargas is undefeated over that stretch with three victories and an ERA of 1.80. It appears that the trade rumors surrounding Vargas haven’t been a distraction at all. Vargas’ history against the Blue Jays isn’t so great, 0-3 6.49 ERA, so it will be interesting to see which we will see.
Laffey has started six games after making four appearances as a reliever for the Jays. Hitters are batting .247 against him and he’s given up seven home runs in 44.2 IP. In his last start, against the A’s, Laffey pitched 5.2 innings and allowed four runs and two HR’s.
Game 3
Carlos Villanueva (6-0, 2.92 ERA) vs Blake Beavan (6-6, 5.20 ERA)
Over the past three starts Carlos Villanueva is 3-0 with a 2.60 ERA. Villanuava actually hasn’t lost the entire month of July, yet he hasn’t been able to pitch over six innings despite the solid stats. His 31 BB to 65 K may have something to do with that.
Since being brought back up to the big-league club from Tacoma, Beavan has been a great surprise over his past three starts, 3-0, 3.05 ERA. If Vargas and or Millwood do get traded before the deadline then Beavan will be expected to keep contributing like he has – otherwise the rotation could be a mess.
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Paul Novak
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