We’re a few weeks removed from the trade deadline, and rotations are settling. That said, we’re at the time of the year when managers try to get their starters some extra rest. But never fear; the Expected SP Schedules are here to help you navigate down the stretch run of the season. As a reminder, we break down every MLB team’s starting rotation for the next few weeks to help you plan the back end of your pitching rotation. This tool is beneficial if you’re looking for streamers or flexing fringe starters in and out of your lineup.
Before we delve into the teams, below are our matchup rankings. These match those in Nick Pollack’s SP Steamers for consistency and differ from last week. If you disagree, that’s your prerogative! They are meant to be a loose guide. The most important thing is to pay attention to the matchups.
Nick’s Loose Team Offense Rankings (Updated 8/11)
| Top | Solid | Average | Weak | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATL | BAL | ARI | CIN (Away) | CHW |
| @COL | CHC | CLE | MIL | COL (Away) |
| HOU | @CIN | MIA | MIN | DET |
| LAD | LAA | SDP (vs. R) | NYY | KCR |
| SDP (vs. L) | PHI | STL | SEA | OAK |
| TEX | TBR | BOS | WSN | PIT |
| TOR | NYM | SFG |
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Here’s a key for a few terms you may encounter below:
(OFF) means the team has an off-day before they play that team.
(DH) indicates a doubleheader that day.
SPOT STARTER should be obvious, but this pitcher will only start once.
??? represents an unclear rotational spot, and the notes will explain options.
Above all else, please remember that schedules change often! The grids below represent our best estimate at the time of publishing, but players get hurt, come back from the IL, get sent down or called up, or get an extra day of rest all the time. Use this as a guide and double-check a player’s status before making roster changes.
Diamondbacks’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrill Kelly | @ COL | @ SDP | CIN | @ LAD |
| Zach Davies | @ COL | @ SDP | CIN | BAL (OFF) |
| Slade Cecconi | @ COL | TEX | CIN | BAL |
| Zac Gallen | @ SDP | TEX | @ LAD | BAL |
| Brandon Pfaadt | @ SDP | CIN (OFF) | @ LAD | COL |
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- The Diamondbacks optioned Ryne Nelson on Sunday, which means Zach Davies could return from the IL as soon as Tuesday.
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Fried | NYY | SFG | @ SFG | @ LAD |
| Bryce Elder | NYY | NYM | @ SFG | @ LAD |
| Charlie Morton | NYY | NYM | @ COL | @ LAD |
| Spencer Strider | SFG (OFF) | NYM | @ COL | @ LAD |
| Yonny Chirinos | SFG | @ SFG (OFF) | @ COL | STL (OFF) |
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- The next few starts feature excellent matchups should Bryce Elder, or if you are desperate, Yonny Chirinos, be available on your waiver wire.
Orioles’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayson Rodriguez | @ SDP | TOR (OFF) | CHW | @ LAA |
| Jack Flaherty | @ SDP | TOR | CHW | @ LAA |
| Dean Kremer | @ SDP | TOR | CHW | @ LAA |
| Kyle Gibson | @ OAK (OFF) | COL | @ ARI (OFF) | @ BOS (OFF) |
| Cole Irvin | @ OAK | COL | @ ARI | @ BOS |
| Kyle Bradish | @ OAK | COL | @ ARI | @ BOS |
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- With three days off on the upcoming schedule, Baltimore may opt to drop one of their six starters for a stint. Cole Irvin is the likely candidate. Tyler Wells could also be recalled from the minors at some point, though the timing of his return remains uncertain.
Red Sox’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Pivetta | @ WSN (OFF) | @ NYY | LAD | HOU |
| James Paxton | @ WSN | @ HOU | LAD | @ KCR (OFF) |
| Chris Sale | @ WSN | @ HOU | LAD | @ KCR |
| Brayan Bello | @ NYY | @ HOU | HOU | @ KCR |
| Kutter Crawford | @ NYY | @ HOU | HOU | @ TBR |
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- Nick Pivetta has pitched well lately and could be a streaming option for his next two starts before the schedule gets rough.
Cubs’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Hendricks | CHW (OFF) | @ DET | @ PIT | @ CIN (DH)(OFF) |
| Javier Assad | CHW | @ DET | @ PIT | @ CIN |
| Marcus Stroman | KCR (OFF) | @ DET | MIL | @ CIN |
| Justin Steele | KCR | @ PIT | MIL | SFG |
| Jameson Taillon | KCR | @ PIT | MIL | SFG |
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- Marcus Stroman’s return date remains up in the air and could shift the rotation up a day if he’s not ready to return this week since Chicago is off on Monday and Wednesday.
- The other nuance in an otherwise pristine schedule is the doubleheader with the Reds on September 1. The club could pull Javier Assad forward to make the second start since they are off the day before, but they are more likely to use a spot starter since they don’t have a day off from August 18 through August 31.
White Sox’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touki Toussaint | @ CHC (OFF) | SEA | OAK | DET (OFF) |
| Mike Clevinger | @ CHC | SEA | OAK | DET |
| Michael Kopech | @ COL (OFF) | SEA | @ BAL | DET |
| Jesse Scholtens | @ COL | OAK | @ BAL | @ KCR |
| Dylan Cease | @ COL | OAK | @ BAL | @ KCR |
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- After their starts against the Cubs, Touki Toussaint and Mike Clevinger have pretty good schedules for those looking for help in deeper leagues.
Reds’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Ashcraft | CLE (OFF) | @ LAA | @ ARI | CHC (2)(OFF) |
| Andrew Abbott | CLE | @ LAA | @ ARI | CHC |
| Ben Lively | TOR (OFF) | @ LAA | @ SFG | CHC |
| Brandon Williamson | TOR | @ ARI | @ SFG | SEA |
| Luke Weaver | TOR | @ ARI | @ SFG | SEA |
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- Note: The Reds are taxed one tier anytime they are home. Hence, different shades for games vs. CLE, CHC, and SEA.
- The Reds demoted Lyon Richardson after his uninspiring debut, creating a hole in their rotation. The best guess is that Ben Lively will return from the IL to fill it, though that’s still TBD.
- Given the lack of off days leading up to the Reds’ doubleheader against the Cubs on September 1, they’ll likely use a spot starter for the second game unless Hunter Greene or Nick Lodolo is ready to return by then.
Guardians’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan Allen | @ CIN (OFF) | DET | @ TOR | TBR (OFF) |
| Noah Syndergaard | @ CIN | LAD (OFF) | @ TOR | TBR |
| Xzavion Curry | DET | LAD | @ MIN | TBR |
| Gavin Williams | DET | LAD | @ MIN | MIN |
| Tanner Bibee | DET | @ TOR | @ MIN | MIN |
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- Cleveland has a four-game home series against the Tigers ahead which is about as good as it gets for streaming.
Rockies’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Flexen | ARI | CHW | @ BAL | TOR (OFF) |
| Ty Blach | ARI | @ TBR (OFF) | @ BAL | TOR |
| Austin Gomber | ARI | @ TBR | ATL | TOR |
| Peter Lambert | CHW (OFF) | @ TBR | ATL | @ ARI |
| Kyle Freeland | CHW | @ BAL | ATL | @ ARI |
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- Note: The Rockies are taxed one tier anytime they are home. Hence, different shades for games vs. ARI and CHW.
- If you were considering streaming any of the Rockies’ starters, think again. The upcoming schedule is pretty rough.
Tigers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Faedo | @ MIN (OFF) | @ CLE | HOU | NYY |
| Reese Olson | @ MIN | CHC | HOU | @ CHW |
| Tarik Skubal | @ CLE | CHC | NYY | @ CHW |
| Matt Manning | @ CLE | CHC | NYY | @ CHW |
| Eduardo Rodriguez | @ CLE | HOU (OFF) | NYY | @ NYY (OFF) |
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- If Tarik Skubal is available in your league, now would be an excellent time to pick him up. His upcoming schedule is pretty good, and he’s pitched better than his ERA indicates.
Astros’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framber Valdez | @ MIA | BOS | @ DET | NYY |
| Cristian Javier | @ MIA | BOS | @ BOS | @ TEX |
| Justin Verlander | @ MIA | BOS | @ BOS | @ TEX |
| Hunter Brown | SEA (OFF) | BOS | @ BOS | @ TEX |
| J.P. France | SEA | @ DET | NYY (OFF) | SDP (OFF) |
| José Urquidy | SEA | @ DET | NYY | SDP |
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- Houston is running a six-man rotation, but that could change anytime. Hunter Brown or J.P. France are candidates to be shifted to the bullpen.
Royals’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brady Singer | SEA | @ CHC | @ SEA (OFF) | PIT |
| Jordan Lyles | SEA | @ CHC | @ SEA | BOS (OFF) |
| Alec Marsh | SEA | @ OAK | @ SEA | BOS |
| Angel Zerpa | SEA | @ OAK | PIT | BOS |
| Cole Ragans | @ CHC | @ OAK | PIT | CHW |
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- The upcoming schedule for the Royals is pitcher-friendly, and all five starters are available in most leagues. Brady Singer and Cole Ragans have pitched well lately.
Angels’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Sandoval | @ TEX | CIN | @ PHI | BAL |
| Lucas Giolito | @ TEX | CIN | @ PHI | BAL |
| Griffin Canning | @ TEX | |||
| Shohei Ohtani | CIN | @ PHI | BAL | |
| Reid Detmers | TBR (OFF) | @ NYM (OFF) | @ OAK (OFF) | CLE |
| Tyler Anderson | TBR | @ NYM | @ OAK | CLE |
| Chase Silseth | TBR | @ NYM | @ OAK | CLE |
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- The Angels plan to skip Shohei Ohtani’s next start, and we’re guessing Griffin Canning will fill in. At this point, it appears to be a one-start absence to give the superstar some rest, but keep an eye on the situation.
Dodgers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Miller | MIL (OFF) | MIA | @ BOS | ATL |
| Clayton Kershaw | MIL | @ CLE (OFF) | @ BOS | ATL |
| Lance Lynn | MIL | @ CLE | ARI | ATL |
| Tony Gonsolin | MIA | @ CLE | ARI | ATL |
| Julio Urías | MIA | @ BOS | ARI | @ MIA (OFF) |
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- Lance Lynn has a 2.00 ERA as a Dodger after three starts, in case he was dropped in your league.
Marlins’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braxton Garrett | HOU | @ LAD | WSN | @ WSN |
| Johnny Cueto | HOU | @ SDP | WSN | @ WSN |
| Jesús Luzardo | HOU | @ SDP | TBR (OFF) | @ WSN |
| Sandy Alcantara | @ LAD (OFF) | @ SDP | TBR | LAD (OFF) |
| Eury Pérez | @ LAD | WSN (OFF) | @ WSN | LAD |
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- Eury Pérez has struggled since returning to the rotation, so you may want to sit him against the red-hot Dodgers.
Brewers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wade Miley | @ LAD (OFF) | @ TEX | SDP | PHI |
| Adrian Houser | @ LAD | MIN (OFF) | @ CHC | PHI |
| Corbin Burnes | @ LAD | MIN | @ CHC | @ PIT |
| Brandon Woodruff | @ TEX | SDP (OFF) | @ CHC | @ PIT |
| Freddy Peralta | @ TEX | SDP | PHI (OFF) | @ PIT |
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- Rough waters are ahead for the Brew Crew’s starters.
Twins’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey Ober | DET (OFF) | @ MIL (OFF) | TEX | @ TEX |
| Kenta Maeda | DET | @ MIL | CLE | @ TEX |
| Dallas Keuchel | PIT (OFF) | TEX | CLE | @ CLE |
| Pablo López | PIT | TEX | CLE | @ CLE |
| Sonny Gray | PIT | TEX | @ TEX (OFF) | @ CLE |
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- Bailey Ober and Kenta Maeda are still available in many leagues and have two excellent matchups in a row upcoming. At some point, Joe Ryan may re-enter the mix.
Mets’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Carrasco | PIT | @ STL | LAA (OFF) | TEX |
| David Peterson | PIT | @ STL | LAA | SEA (OFF) |
| Tylor Megill | PIT | @ ATL | LAA | SEA |
| José Quintana | @ STL | @ ATL | TEX | SEA |
| Kodai Senga | @ STL | @ ATL | TEX | @ WSN (OFF) |
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- José Quintana has pitched relatively well since coming off the IL; however, his upcoming schedule isn’t too enticing.
Yankees’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarke Schmidt | @ ATL | BOS | @ TBR | @ DET |
| Luis Severino | @ ATL | WSN (OFF) | @ TBR | @ HOU |
| Randy Vásquez | @ ATL | WSN | @ DET | @ HOU |
| Jhony Brito | BOS (OFF) | WSN | @ DET | @ HOU |
| Gerrit Cole | BOS | @ TBR | @ DET | DET (OFF) |
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- The Yankees rotation keeps losing players to the IL as Nestor Cortes’s return was short-lived. Carlos Rodón should return around the end of August if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
A’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP Sears | @ STL | BAL | @ CHW | @ SEA |
| Freddy Tarnok | @ STL | KCR | @ CHW | LAA (OFF) |
| Paul Blackburn | @ STL | KCR | @ CHW | LAA |
| Luis Medina | BAL (OFF) | KCR | @ SEA | LAA |
| Ken Waldichuk | BAL | @ CHW | @ SEA | TOR |
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- It’s hard to trust any of the A’s starters outside of JP Sears, even with some favorable matchups ahead.
Phillies’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Wheeler | @ TOR (OFF) | SFG | LAA | @ SDP |
| Aaron Nola | @ TOR | SFG | LAA | @ SDP |
| Michael Lorenzen | @ WSN (OFF) | SFG | LAA | @ SDP |
| Taijuan Walker | STL (OFF) | @ MIL (OFF) | MIA (OFF) | |
| Cristopher Sánchez | @ WSN | STL | @ MIL | MIA |
| Ranger Suárez | @ WSN | STL | @ MIL | MIA |
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- Philadelphia will skip the struggling Taijuan Walker’s next start in hopes of getting him back on track. When, exactly, he’ll return, and whether they go back to a six-man rotation at that point is unclear.
Pirates’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Priester | @ NYM | @ MIN | CHC | @ KCR |
| Bailey Falter | @ NYM | STL | CHC | @ STL (OFF) |
| Johan Oviedo | @ NYM | STL | CHC | @ STL |
| Mitch Keller | @ MIN (OFF) | STL | @ KCR | @ STL |
| Andre Jackson | @ MIN | CHC | @ KCR | MIL |
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- Andre Jackson got the start on Sunday, and it didn’t go well. He’s penciled in as the fifth starter currently, but it may not stay that way for long.
Padres’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yu Darvish | BAL | ARI | @ MIL (OFF) | @ STL |
| Michael Wacha | BAL | ARI | @ MIL | SFG |
| Blake Snell | BAL | MIA | @ MIL | SFG |
| Rich Hill | ARI | MIA | @ STL | SFG |
| Seth Lugo | ARI | MIA | @ STL | SFG |
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- Michael Wacha will be activated on Tuesday, sending Nick Martinez back to the bullpen.
Giants’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Wood | TBR | @ ATL | ATL | @ SDP |
| Sean Manaea | TBR | @ PHI | ATL | @ SDP |
| Ross Stripling | TBR | @ PHI | CIN | @ SDP |
| Alex Cobb | @ ATL (OFF) | @ PHI | CIN | @ SDP |
| Logan Webb | @ ATL | ATL (OFF) | CIN | @ CHC |
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- Outside of Alex Cobb and Logan Webb, the Giants’ rotation seems to be constantly in flux. Thus, keep an eye out for changes if you consider streaming one of the other three.
Mariners’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson Hancock | @ KCR | @ HOU | KCR (OFF) | OAK |
| Logan Gilbert | @ KCR | @ HOU | KCR | @ NYM (OFF) |
| Luis Castillo | @ KCR | @ CHW | KCR | @ NYM |
| George Kirby | @ KCR | @ CHW | OAK | @ NYM |
| Bryce Miller | @ HOU | @ CHW | OAK | @ CIN |
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- Emerson Hancock pitched well in his MLB debut and should hold the rotation spot until Bryan Woo is ready to return. Three of his next scheduled matchups come against subpar offenses, making him an interesting speculative add.
Cardinals’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Mikolas | OAK | NYM | @ PHI (OFF) | SDP |
| Dakota Hudson | OAK | NYM | @ PHI | PIT (OFF) |
| Matthew Liberatore | OAK | @ PIT | @ PHI | PIT |
| Adam Wainwright | NYM | @ PIT | SDP | PIT |
| Steven Matz | NYM | @ PIT | SDP | @ ATL (OFF) |
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- The next two rotation turns offer great matchups for all Cardinals’ starters, especially Matthew Liberatore, who gets the A’s and Pirates.
Rays’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Glasnow | @ SFG | @ LAA | NYY | @ CLE |
| Zack Littell | @ SFG | COL (OFF) | NYY | @ CLE |
| Aaron Civale | @ SFG | COL | @ MIA (OFF) | BOS |
| Zach Eflin | @ LAA (OFF) | COL | @ MIA | BOS |
| ??? | @ LAA | NYY | @ CLE (OFF) | BOS |
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- The Rays will need to slot in a fifth starter soon, although they have several off days this month and could wait until it’s absolutely necessary. Taj Bradley seems like the most likely option.
Rangers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Scherzer | LAA | MIL | @ MIN | MIN (OFF) |
| Jordan Montgomery | LAA | @ ARI | @ MIN | MIN |
| Jon Gray | LAA | @ ARI | @ NYM | MIN |
| Andrew Heaney | MIL (OFF) | @ MIN (OFF) | @ NYM | HOU |
| Dane Dunning | MIL | @ MIN | @ NYM | HOU |
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- Nathan Eovaldi could rejoin the rotation towards the end of the month, though that remains TBD. In the meantime, Dane Dunning and Andrew Heaney have excellent short-term schedules.
Blue Jays’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yusei Kikuchi | PHI (OFF) | @ BAL (OFF) | CLE | @ COL |
| Kevin Gausman | PHI | @ BAL | WSN | @ COL |
| José Berríos | @ CIN (OFF) | @ BAL | WSN | @ OAK |
| Chris Bassitt | @ CIN | CLE | WSN | @ OAK |
| Hyun Jin Ryu | @ CIN | CLE | @ COL (OFF) | @ OAK |
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- Toronto cleared its logjam in the rotation by sending Alek Manoah back to Triple-A. He could return in September but hasn’t pitched well enough this season to hold onto.
Nationals’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiah Gray | BOS (OFF) | @ NYY (OFF) | @ TOR | MIA |
| MacKenzie Gore | BOS | @ NYY | @ TOR | NYM (OFF) |
| Patrick Corbin | BOS | @ NYY | @ TOR | NYM |
| Joan Adon | PHI | @ MIA | MIA | LAD (OFF) |
| Jake Irvin | PHI | @ MIA | MIA | LAD |
| Trevor Williams | PHI | @ MIA | MIA | LAD |
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- For now, Washington appears to be rolling with a six-man rotation, perhaps to limit the innings for some of their young starters.