Monkeys @ Guardians
Monkeys: Justin Nicolino - If you look at the official league website, you’d think that this is firs start. However, his first start actually came last week against the Brothers but the game got called after 2.5 innings due to rain. His numbers from that game: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 K, 0 BB.
Here’s what I wrote last week before Nicolino’s debut: The former MLB hurler makes his big team debut for Rakuten. He has looked sharp working for the 2nd team - 5 games, 4 starts, 23.1 IP, 0.90 WHIP, 2.31 ERA, 20:6 K:BB, 15 H, 32 GO and 17 AO. He has been clocked as high as 150 kmh so far. I've mentioned this before but guys who throw hard (150+) always have a chance for success in this league. The fact that he's a lefty is even better. He could be dominant in the CPBL.
Monkeys have lost two straight after starting the year 7-0, but are still slashing .350/.395/.593.
Monkeys bullpen is awful and has a FiP of 7.98. (h/t to @ MLBDream on Twitter for the calculations)
Guardians: Bryan Woodall (0-1, 14.14 ERA). Unfortunately for Woodall, 2020 is looking like 2019 all over again, where he went 2-12, 5.48 ERA, 1.40 WHIP over 113.1 IP. He makes his third start on Tuesday and has been hit very hard in both of his previous appearances. He faced the Monkeys in his debut on April 17 - 5 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 3 KK, 0 BB. Then the Lions on April 22 - 2 IP, 5 H, 5 EH, 1 K, 3 BB.
Monkeys hit Woodall hard last year as well: 5.68 ERA. 1.50 WHIP over 25.1 IP.
Guardians snapped a 3-game losing streak with a 5-4 win on Sunday.
Guardians hitting just .214 against left-handed starting pitchers this season.
Guardians bullpen has the 2nd highest FiP in the league at 6.02