Probable Pitchers

Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets

, Citi Field

Edinson Volquez, RHP

Stats: 5-6, 5.84 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Edinson Volquez, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. NYM
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Edinson Volquez, last 10 years vs. NYM
Last 5 years vs. NYM hitters
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Edinson Volquez, last 5 years vs. NYM
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Volquez's latest start on Friday vs. the Bucs mimicked his previous two since being recalled from Triple-A in being so-so. He threw 95 pitches over five innings, giving up three runs on six hits, with two walks and five strikeouts in a no-decision.

Miguel Batista, RHP

Stats: 4-2, 4.24 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Miguel Batista, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. CIN
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Miguel Batista, last 10 years vs. CIN
Last 5 years vs. CIN hitters
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Miguel Batista, last 5 years vs. CIN
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Needing a spot starter, the Mets will turn to Batista, who has worked out of the bullpen since his last start on Sept. 11. Batista faced the Reds three times in relief this season while with the Cards, allowing five runs over two-thirds of an inning.

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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Chicago White Sox

, U.S. Cellular Field

Brandon Morrow, RHP

Stats: 11-11, 4.78 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Brandon Morrow, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. CWS
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Brandon Morrow, last 10 years vs. CWS
Last 5 years vs. CWS hitters
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Brandon Morrow, last 5 years vs. CWS
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Morrow will get the call in the final Blue Jays game of the year. He pitched seven shutout innings while striking out nine during his last start against the Rays. He has now won two consecutive games and is riding a 15-inning scoreless streak.

Philip Humber, RHP

Stats: 9-9, 3.86 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Philip Humber, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. TOR
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Philip Humber, last 10 years vs. TOR
Last 5 years vs. TOR hitters
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Philip Humber, last 5 years vs. TOR
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Originally expected to be relegated to the bullpen once Jake Peavy was healthy, Humber solidified his spot in the rotation with an impressive first half. He has just one win in his last 10 outings, however.

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Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants

, AT&T Park

Drew Pomeranz, LHP

Stats: 1-1, 5.68 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Drew Pomeranz, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. SF
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Drew Pomeranz, last 10 years vs. SF
Last 5 years vs. SF hitters
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Drew Pomeranz, last 5 years vs. SF
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Pomeranz, part of the Rockies' bounty from the Indians in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal, had an ERA below 2.00 before struggling Friday night at Minute Maid Park against the Astros. Pomeranz pitched well against the Giants in a previous start.

Eric Surkamp, LHP

Stats: 2-1, 5.32 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Eric Surkamp, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. COL
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Eric Surkamp, last 10 years vs. COL
Last 5 years vs. COL hitters
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Eric Surkamp, last 5 years vs. COL
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Surkamp replaces Matt Cain, who the Giants felt had thrown enough this season, in the 2011 season finale. Surkamp will be trying to strengthen his candidacy for the No. 5 spot in next year's starting rotation.

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Washington Nationals vs. Florida Marlins

, Sun Life Stadium

Stephen Strasburg, RHP

Stats: 0-1, 2.00 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Stephen Strasburg, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. FLA
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Stephen Strasburg, last 10 years vs. FLA
Last 5 years vs. FLA hitters
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Stephen Strasburg, last 5 years vs. FLA
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

In his worst start of the year, Strasburg found himself in trouble in the first inning, throwing 38 pitches and allowing three runs -- two earned. Strasburg settled down, retiring nine out of the last 10 hitters he faced.

Chris Volstad, RHP

Stats: 5-12, 4.96 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Chris Volstad, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. WSH
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Chris Volstad, last 10 years vs. WSH
Last 5 years vs. WSH hitters
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Chris Volstad, last 5 years vs. WSH
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Volstad, a South Florida native, will make the final start of the season and the last game for the team as the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium. At home, he's 3-7 (5.04 ERA). He had a strong seven-inning start vs. Milwaukee in his last start.

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Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles

, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Jon Lester, LHP

Stats: 15-9, 3.49 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Jon Lester, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. BAL
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Jon Lester, last 10 years vs. BAL
Last 5 years vs. BAL hitters
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Jon Lester, last 5 years vs. BAL
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

With Wednesday's game holding playoff implications, Lester will go on three days' rest. Fortunately for Boston, he threw just 55 pitches in his last start.

Alfredo Simon, RHP

Stats: 4-9, 4.85 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Alfredo Simon, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. BOS
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Alfredo Simon, last 10 years vs. BOS
Last 5 years vs. BOS hitters
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Alfredo Simon, last 5 years vs. BOS
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Simon's truly been up and down this season. The Orioles would liked to have seen more consistency from the big right-hander, who has been winless in his past six starts despite pitching well at times.

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Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers

, Comerica Park

Zach McAllister, RHP

Stats: 0-1, 8.53 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Zach McAllister, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. DET
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Zach McAllister, last 10 years vs. DET
Last 5 years vs. DET hitters
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Zach McAllister, last 5 years vs. DET
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

McAllister has made three starts for the Indians this season. He pitched his best in his most recent outing, when he allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings of a 5-4 loss to the White Sox on Sept. 20.

Rick Porcello, RHP

Stats: 14-9, 4.76 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Rick Porcello, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. CLE
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Rick Porcello, last 10 years vs. CLE
Last 5 years vs. CLE hitters
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Rick Porcello, last 5 years vs. CLE
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Porcello's last tuneup before what appears likely to be a Game 4 assignment in the AL Division Series is also his final chance at a career-best 15th win. He has no wins to show for back-to-back seven-inning, three-run outings.

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New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays

, Tropicana Field

Dellin Betances, RHP

Stats: 0-0, 27.00 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Dellin Betances, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. TB
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Dellin Betances, last 10 years vs. TB
Last 5 years vs. TB hitters
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Dellin Betances, last 5 years vs. TB
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Betances, one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, went 4-9 with a 3.70 ERA in 25 MiLB starts, 21 at Double-A, four at Triple-A. Betances walked four and hit a batter in two-thirds of an inning in his Yankees debut.

David Price, LHP

Stats: 12-13, 3.35 ERA

Last 3 starts
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David Price, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. NYY
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David Price, last 10 years vs. NYY
Last 5 years vs. NYY hitters
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David Price, last 5 years vs. NYY
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Price was his own worst enemy Friday night against the Blue Jays when he made two throwing errors, which ultimately led to his demise in a 5-1 loss, his 13th of the season. Price is 4-9 with a 3.45 ERA in 17 starts at Tropicana Field this season.

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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves

, Turner Field

Joe Blanton, RHP

Stats: 1-2, 5.03 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Joe Blanton, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. ATL
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Joe Blanton, last 10 years vs. ATL
Last 5 years vs. ATL hitters
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Joe Blanton, last 5 years vs. ATL
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Blanton will be starting the final game of the season, but because he hasn't pitched much, this really will be a bullpen game. Left-hander Cole Hamels will pitch at some point in a relief effort, a final tuneup for the NLDS.

Tim Hudson, RHP

Stats: 16-10, 3.23 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Tim Hudson, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. PHI
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Tim Hudson, last 10 years vs. PHI
Last 5 years vs. PHI hitters
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Tim Hudson, last 5 years vs. PHI
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

The Braves wanted to save Hudson to pitch Game 1 of the National League Division Series. But since Atlanta didn't clinch a playoff berth by Wednesday, he will start the regular-season finale.

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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Houston Astros

, Minute Maid Park

Chris Carpenter, RHP

Stats: 10-9, 3.59 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Chris Carpenter, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. HOU
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Chris Carpenter, last 10 years vs. HOU
Last 5 years vs. HOU hitters
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Chris Carpenter, last 5 years vs. HOU
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Carpenter is finishing the year strong, even though he's not getting much run support. Over his past eight games, Carpenter has 48 strikeouts and 11 walks. Yet the Cardinals are 3-5 in those games.

Brett Myers, RHP

Stats: 7-13, 4.31 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Brett Myers, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. STL
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Brett Myers, last 10 years vs. STL
Last 5 years vs. STL hitters
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Brett Myers, last 5 years vs. STL
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Myers is finishing the season with a flourish. He improved to 4-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his last five starts when he held the Rockies to four hits and one run on Friday. Myers has allowed only one home run in his last five starts.

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Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels

, Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Matt Harrison, LHP

Stats: 14-9, 3.46 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Matt Harrison, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. LAA
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Matt Harrison, last 10 years vs. LAA
Last 5 years vs. LAA hitters
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Matt Harrison, last 5 years vs. LAA
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Harrison gave up three runs in six innings against the Mariners in his last start. He has had three quality starts in the four starts since the Rangers skipped him in the rotation.

Garrett Richards, RHP

Stats: 0-2, 8.00 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Garrett Richards, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. TEX
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Garrett Richards, last 10 years vs. TEX
Last 5 years vs. TEX hitters
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Garrett Richards, last 5 years vs. TEX
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

With Jered Weaver shut down, Garrett Richards will take the hill in the Angels' last game of the season. It'll be his first start since Aug. 15, which was also against Texas. He's made four relief appearances for the Angels since rosters expanded.

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Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins

, Target Field

Bruce Chen, LHP

Stats: 12-8, 3.98 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Bruce Chen, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. MIN
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Bruce Chen, last 10 years vs. MIN
Last 5 years vs. MIN hitters
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Bruce Chen, last 5 years vs. MIN
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Chen, after stifling the White Sox on two hits in eight innings for his club-high 12th victory, gets the honor of finishing the season for the Royals. Chen was brilliant in his eight innings of two-hit scoreless ball against the Twins on Sept. 13.

Carl Pavano, RHP

Stats: 8-13, 4.48 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Carl Pavano, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. KC
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Carl Pavano, last 10 years vs. KC
Last 5 years vs. KC hitters
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Carl Pavano, last 5 years vs. KC
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Pavano will fittingly take the mound in the last game of the season for the Twins on Wednesday at Target Field. He's been the club's workhorse, as he's the only Twins starter to make more than 30 starts and toss more than 200 innings this year.

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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers

, Miller Park

Jeff Locke, LHP

Stats: 0-2, 4.97 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Jeff Locke, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. MIL
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Jeff Locke, last 10 years vs. MIL
Last 5 years vs. MIL hitters
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Jeff Locke, last 5 years vs. MIL
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Locke gets one more chance at picking up his first Major League win before having to wait another year. He has made three big league starts and has finished five innings just once. Locke will be limited to about 75-80 pitches.

Zack Greinke, RHP

Stats: 15-6, 3.86 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Zack Greinke, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. PIT
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Zack Greinke, last 10 years vs. PIT
Last 5 years vs. PIT hitters
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Zack Greinke, last 5 years vs. PIT
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

With the No. 2 seed in the NL and home field in the NLDS still up in the air, the Brewers will call upon Greinke to deliver in his 15th home start of the year. Greinke is unbeaten at Miller Park this year and the Brewers are 14-0 in those games.

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Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres

, PETCO Park

Ryan Dempster, RHP

Stats: 10-13, 4.53 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Ryan Dempster, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. SD
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Ryan Dempster, last 10 years vs. SD
Last 5 years vs. SD hitters
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Ryan Dempster, last 5 years vs. SD
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Dempster is winless in five starts this month but has a 3.34 ERA. All five of those starts have been quality starts, too. He has 196 2/3 innings for the year, and the goal in the season finale is to hopefully finish with a win and 200 innings.

Wade LeBlanc, LHP

Stats: 4-6, 4.83 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Wade LeBlanc, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. CHC
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Wade LeBlanc, last 10 years vs. CHC
Last 5 years vs. CHC hitters
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Wade LeBlanc, last 5 years vs. CHC
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

LeBlanc struck out a career-high 10 batters in seven innings of a loss to the Dodgers the last time out. Better still, he showed increased velocity and improved command of his fastball, which set up his secondary pitches.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

, Chase Field

Ted Lilly, LHP

Stats: 11-14, 4.12 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Ted Lilly, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. ARI
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Ted Lilly, last 10 years vs. ARI
Last 5 years vs. ARI hitters
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Ted Lilly, last 5 years vs. ARI
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Lilly brings down the curtain on the Dodgers season. In his last 10 starts, Lilly has a 2.32 ERA, bringing his ERA down almost a full run. He's come up with a new grip on a slider that he credited for 6 1/3 scoreless innings in his last outing.

Joe Saunders, LHP

Stats: 12-12, 3.58 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Joe Saunders, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. LAD
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Joe Saunders, last 10 years vs. LAD
Last 5 years vs. LAD hitters
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Joe Saunders, last 5 years vs. LAD
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Saunders has been outstanding in his last four starts, going 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA. Last time out vs. the Giants, Saunders got a no-decision despite allowing just one run over seven innings. The D-backs eventually prevailed, 3-1, in the West clincher.

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Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners

, Safeco Field

Gio Gonzalez, LHP

Stats: 15-12, 3.25 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Gio Gonzalez, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. SEA
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Gio Gonzalez, last 10 years vs. SEA
Last 5 years vs. SEA hitters
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Gio Gonzalez, last 5 years vs. SEA
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

Scheduled for his 32nd and final start of the season, Gonzalez will look to bow out riding a four-game winning streak. He's 6-1 with a 2.89 ERA over his last seven outings after going 0-5 with a 7.90 ERA over his previous five.

Anthony Vasquez, LHP

Stats: 1-5, 8.89 ERA

Last 3 starts
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Anthony Vasquez, last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. OAK
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Anthony Vasquez, last 10 years vs. OAK
Last 5 years vs. OAK hitters
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Anthony Vasquez, last 5 years vs. OAK
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI

Career stats

The rookie left-hander has lost five straight and allowed 12 home runs in 27 1/3 innings in six starts. He's a command pitcher with a mid-80s fastball and hasn't displayed the control to get away with that so far.

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