September 5, 2018

Jim Kushner sits on top thanks to a strong seven-frame start by Justin Verlander, although glory may be brief with Corey Kluber set to regain his AL IP lead against the Royals this afternoon. Kluber’s stake in the AL wins category is also up for grabs with Luis Severino making a late start in Oakland tonight.

We may find ourselves watching a third AL pitching category down the stretch... Chris Sale needs to throw sixteen innings to qualify for the ERA title, and is eligible to be activated from the D.L. on Friday. While it seems likely that Sale will meet the innings quota in time, talk of the lefty making abbreviated starts as an “opener” to slowly get in shape for the playoffs introduces just enough doubt to make things interesting.

-Jud & Dan