As we move into the final handful of days before the trade deadline, this week’s matchups have many ace-level talent, playoff implications and fantasy value. Here are
1. Framber Valdez (Astros) vs. Eduardo Rodríguez(Diamondbacks)
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Out west in Arizona, the Astros will send Framber Valdez to the mound on Tuesday in Game 2 of the series with the Diamondbacks. Valdez is 10–4 with a 2.75 ERA and will face off against Rodriguez, but Valdez is one of the most consistent starters in the AL and a perfect contrast to Zac Gallen, who struggled in his last outing despite hitting 1,000th strikeout of his career
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2. Max Scherzer (Blue Jays) vs. Yankees
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The week starts with a big showdown in Toronto on Tuesday, as Max Scherzer makes his Blue Jays debut against the Yankees. Scherzer, 40, signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal in February and is 1–0 with a 4.70 ERA in Toronto. He’s brought life to the Blue Jays, who are 11-0 at home and in first place in the AL East. Expect a pitcher’s duel with plenty of strikeout upside—especially with the Yankees’ potent lineup coming to town.
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3. Richard Fitts (Red Sox) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies)
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In Philadelphia, the Red Sox and Phillies start their series in the afternoon. Boston sends Richard Fitts (1–3, 4.28 ERA) to the mound while Philadelphia counters with Cristopher Sánchez, 8–2 with a 2.50 ERA and 122 Ks. This interleague matchup offers a great contrast: Sánchez’s dominance vs. a lesser-known but interesting Fitts, so Tuesday’s opener should be a tight pitcher’s duel.
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4. Landen Roupp (Giants) vs. Davis Daniel (Braves)
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In Atlanta that night, it’s another interleague matchup: Giants’ mid-season workhorse Landen Roupp (6–6, 3.27 ERA) vs. Braves rookie Davis Daniel, who’s been scoreless in his first starts with a 1.80 ERA. With both teams in playoff mode, Daniel vs. a veteran is must-see TV.
5. Casey Mize (Tigers) vs. Mitch Keller (Pirates)
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The Tigers-Pirates game has Casey Mize (9-3, 3.15 ERA) against Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.48 ERA) on the mound. Keller didn’t have a good win-loss record, but the ERA and 92 Ks show he has pitched better than that record. Mize is building on a breakout season, so this is a battle of up-and-coming arms.
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