Last night it was opposite day as Carlos Rodon gave up a three-run homer in the first, and Jose Suarez struck out the side. Nonetheless, we still wound up 1-1 on the evening, but that is all ancient history. Tonight I’ve found a pair of matchups with four starters all trending in the right direction. So let’s find out who they are and why we’re backing them to put up matching zeros tonight.
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox 8:10 pm ET
Lucas Giolito’s numbers may not be too appetizing when you’re surfing the slate for NRFIs, but a deeper look shows promise. He’s due for significant positive regression as his xERA is over a full run lower than his season ERA at 4.13, and his FIP is even lower at 4.09. We saw the tide begin to turn for him in his last start as he allowed just one run in six innings of work against a red-hot Baltimore team. Tonight he’ll get to face a Royals lineup that not only ranks 20th in first-inning runs per game but has also been one of the worst offensive clubs in the second half. The Royals rank 22nd in wRC+ and wOBA while also holding the league’s seventh-highest strikeout rate. Look for Giolito’s resurgence to continue tonight.