MLB: What to watch on August 8, 2025

• 08 August 2025
• mlbw

Here are today's MLB games, ordered by watchability, based on how interesting the teams and starting pitchers look. Higher is better. For more information, read this post.

Notes:

• Pitcher 'no data': Pitchers only have a pNERD score once they've started at least one game and have at least 20 innings pitched. I also show 'no data' when I can't correctly link a starting pitcher with their stats.
• Generated by the mlb-watchability project on GitHub.

Detail

Los Angeles Angels @ Detroit Tigers, 4:10p

Summary

Tarik Skubal is set to dominate in a pitching mismatch that heavily favors the Detroit Tigers, making this a must-watch game for baseball fans seeking a potentially lopsided but compelling performance. Detroit's ace Skubal has firmly established himself as the AL Cy Young frontrunner, while the Angels are struggling to stay relevant in the wild card race.

The game features a stark contrast between the two starting pitchers. Skubal leads all qualified starters with a 0.83 WHIP and paces the American League with a 2.18 ERA and 181 strikeouts over 140.2 innings. He's been particularly impressive recently, giving up just one run in 12 2/3 innings in his previous two starts and pitching six scoreless innings against Philadelphia, with the Tigers ultimately winning 7-5.

In contrast, Kyle Hendricks is struggling, sporting a 2-4 record with a 5.44 ERA on the road. His pitch-to-contact approach could be problematic at Comerica Park, with its spacious outfield allowing more doubles and triples than the average MLB park.

The Tigers are in a strong position, with a home record of 37-23 and having already taken 3 of 4 from the Angels this season. The Tigers have an impressive 16-6 record in Skubal's 22 starts this season. While the team has gone through a recent rough patch, losing 7-16 since the final weekend before the All-Star break and seeing their division lead shrink to six games, Skubal remains their most reliable performer.

For those seeking drama, Mike Trout is just two home runs shy of reaching 400 in his career, which could provide a subplot to an otherwise potentially one-sided affair.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Los Angeles Angels

Detroit Tigers

Kyle Hendricks, Los Angeles Angels

Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

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Philadelphia Phillies @ Texas Rangers, 5:05p

Summary

A pitching duel between two surprisingly effective starters promises to deliver a tightly contested battle at Globe Life Field. Cristopher Sánchez has emerged as a frontline starter for Philadelphia, boasting a stunning 2.40 ERA, 10-3 record, and averaging over a strikeout per inning with an impressive ability to induce weak contact. The game's high 13.47 gNERD score is well-justified by the pitching matchup and team dynamics. Both teams are positioning themselves for October contention, with the Phillies leading their division and the Rangers hunting for a Wild Card spot after a recent series win against the Yankees. The Rangers are formidable at home with a 36-21 record and a remarkable 37-7 record when scoring five or more runs, while the Phillies remain a .500 road team at 28-28. Key players like Bryce Harper, Corey Seager with 16 home runs, and promising rookie Wyatt Langford add additional intrigue to this interleague matchup. With both starting pitchers sporting impressive stats - Sánchez at 10-3 with a 1.07 WHIP and 145 strikeouts, and Kelly at 9-6 with a 1.04 WHIP and 127 strikeouts - this game promises to be a strategic pitching showcase that could go either way.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Philadelphia Phillies

Texas Rangers

Cristopher Sánchez, Philadelphia Phillies

Merrill Kelly, Texas Rangers

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New York Mets @ Milwaukee Brewers, 5:10p

Summary

The Mets and Brewers are set to clash in a pitching duel that promises to be a tight, low-scoring affair between two playoff-contending teams. This showdown features two ace pitchers making impressive returns from injuries: Kodai Senga and Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff is making his sixth start after missing all of 2024 and the first half of this season due to shoulder surgery. He's been dominant, holding opponents to a .141 batting average, striking out 37 and walking just four in 28 1/3 innings. He's posted a 2.22 ERA over five starts with a 3-0 record, striking out 37 batters in just over 28 innings with no signs of rust.

Senga, in his third season with the Mets, has been great when healthy, going 7-3 with a 2.31 ERA and 86 strikeouts over 89 2/3 innings in 17 starts. With both pitchers on the mound, runs could be hard to come by. Senga has been outstanding against winning teams, and the under has hit in his last six starts against opponents above .500. Woodruff has similarly seen low-scoring games, especially at home.

The broader context adds intrigue: The Brewers are red hot, having won six straight games and extended their lead in the NL Central, while the Mets are on a four-game losing streak and faltering in the NL East race. The two teams are heading in opposite directions. Milwaukee enters with the best moneyline record in the league, thriving at home and ranking top five in scoring, third in team batting average, and second in stolen bases.

This game has all the makings of a classic pitcher's battle, with the potential for a 3-2 or 4-2 type contest where the bullpens could make the difference in the late innings. Baseball fans looking for a tense, strategic matchup between two playoff-caliber teams should definitely tune in.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

New York Mets

Milwaukee Brewers

Kodai Senga, New York Mets

Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers

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Houston Astros @ New York Yankees, 4:05p

Summary

The gNERD score of 13.08 suggests a highly watchable game, with Hunter Brown's stellar pitching performance taking center stage. Hunter Brown is in the midst of a breakout season, holding a 9-5 record with an impressive 2.47 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 155 strikeouts over 131 innings—firmly establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. In stark contrast, Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler is still enduring early growing pains, struggling to keep runs off the board with a 4.58 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, and having allowed five home runs in just 19.2 innings. Both teams are currently struggling, with the Yankees going 13-19 since July 1 and the Astros just 4-6 in their last 10 games, with their lead in the AL West down to a slim 1.5 games. The pitching mismatch is particularly stark: Brown is pitching at a Cy Young level while Schlittler is learning on the job against one of baseball's most dangerous lineups. The Yankees' offense has been inconsistent since the All-Star break, with Aaron Judge just 1-6 in his first two games back from injury. This game promises to be a showcase of Hunter Brown's dominance, with the 26-year-old sporting a 2.47 ERA, 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings, and holding opponents to a mere .194 batting average.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Houston Astros

New York Yankees

Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees

No detailed stats available

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Cincinnati Reds @ Pittsburgh Pirates, 3:40p

Summary

Chase Burns seeks his first MLB victory in a high-stakes pitching duel that promises electrifying potential against Mitch Keller's recent resurgence. Burns, a top Reds prospect, has been a "must-see" event since his June 24 call-up, still hunting for his first big-league win.

The game carries significant intrigue, with Keller having overcome a brutal 15-start winless streak to become one of the most reliable pitchers in the National League, winning his last four decisions. Pirates manager Don Kelly praised Keller, noting he's "pitched way better than his record has shown".

The statistical backdrop is compelling: Burns has impressed with high velocity and strikeout numbers (47 strikeouts in 28.1 innings), though he's been vulnerable when not generating strikeouts. It's a matchup that pits one of the game's most exciting young arms against a veteran pitcher engineering a remarkable mid-season turnaround.

The game's NERD score of 12.44 places it well above the historical median, with Burns' exceptional pNERD of 14.15 driving much of the watchability. The Reds are looking to avoid losing ground in the postseason race after being shut out 7-0 in the previous game, and are eager to even the four-game series.

Adding spice to the matchup, this is the eighth meeting between these teams this season, with the Reds currently leading the season series 4-3. Keep an eye on Oneil Cruz, the Pirates' team leader with 18 home runs, who could be a dangerous bat against Burns.

The game promises a fascinating clash between a young, strikeout-generating prospect and a veteran pitcher who's found his rhythm, making it a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts seeking pure pitching drama.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Cincinnati Reds

Pittsburgh Pirates

Chase Burns, Cincinnati Reds

Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates

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Miami Marlins @ Atlanta Braves, 4:15p

Summary

The Marlins-Braves matchup promises a pitching duel that heavily favors Miami, with Edward Cabrera bringing his stellar form against a struggling Bryce Elder. Cabrera has been demonstrating consistent improvement, while Elder continues to struggle. Cabrera enters his 20th start with an impressive 3.24 ERA across 100 2/3 innings, boasting 103 strikeouts and holding opponents to a mere .228 batting average. He's particularly dangerous, having exceeded 5.5 strikeouts in 9 of his last 12 starts, with a mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider that should generate plenty of swings and misses. In contrast, Elder has a disappointing 4-8 record with a 6.03 ERA and has previously been tagged for five earned runs by the Marlins this season. The Marlins' bullpen provides additional strength, ranking 7th in ERA since the All-Star break, while the Braves' relief corps will likely be taxed, needing to pitch 4+ innings behind Elder. Miami has quietly become one of baseball's hottest teams over the past six weeks, while Atlanta continues to struggle through an injury-plagued season. With Kyle Stowers mashing 25 home runs and Xavier Edwards leading the team with a .299 batting average, the Marlins look primed to continue their winning ways.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Miami Marlins

Atlanta Braves

Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins

Bryce Elder, Atlanta Braves

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Tampa Bay Rays @ Seattle Mariners, 6:40p

Summary

This game promises a pitcher's duel at T-Mobile Park, with Drew Rasmussen and Luis Castillo set to showcase their elite pitching skills in a matchup that could be decided by the slimmest of margins. The game carries significant playoff implications, with Seattle just 1.5 games behind Houston in the AL West, and both starting pitchers sporting sub-3.25 ERAs that suggest runs will be at a premium.

Rasmussen comes in with a 9-5 record and 2.81 ERA, while Castillo sits at 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA. T-Mobile Park plays as the most pitcher-friendly venue in baseball this season, with a low run factor and marine layer that suppresses offense, especially during cool August evening temperatures.

The game's watchability is enhanced by some intriguing elements. Castillo has tremendous strikeout potential, with the Rays striking out at an above-average rate, and he's gone over 6.5 strikeouts in 7 of his last 10 starts. This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic pitcher's duel that likely comes down to a single mistake or timely hit.

Adding to the drama, Seattle is strong at home with a 34-25 record and an impressive 24-15 record in one-run games. Both teams boast formidable bullpens, with the Mariners' relief corps particularly impressive, posting a 3.33 ERA in their last 10 games and holding a late-inning edge at home. The high gNERD score of 11.52 reflects the potential for a truly compelling baseball experience.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Tampa Bay Rays

Seattle Mariners

Drew Rasmussen, Tampa Bay Rays

Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners

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Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis Cardinals, 5:15p

Summary

The high-octane gNERD score of 11.35 promises a compelling showdown between the Cubs and Cardinals, with Matthew Boyd's stellar pitching setting the stage for an electrifying rivalry matchup. The Cubs lead the season series 4-3 and have won four of the last five games, bringing extra spice to this encounter. Boyd has been sensational this year with a 2.34 ERA, while his counterpart Michael McGreevy has struggled with a 5.08 ERA. The Cubs are currently treading water with a 9-9 record since the break, battling inconsistent offense and a leaky bullpen, which adds intrigue to their quest to maintain their divisional standing. The Cubs have a significant advantage in starting pitching, which could help them secure a victory. The Cardinals' bullpen has been further weakened by recent trades, losing closer Ryan Helsley and setup man Phil Maton, potentially leaving them vulnerable in late-inning situations. With the always unpredictable nature of this bitter rivalry, the game promises to be an enjoyable contest that could provide a much-needed spark for the Cubs.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Chicago Cubs

St. Louis Cardinals

Matthew Boyd, Chicago Cubs

Michael McGreevy, St. Louis Cardinals

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Toronto Blue Jays @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10p

Summary

A showdown between two future Hall of Fame pitchers promises to be the highlight of this game, with Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer representing two of the most recent members of baseball's exclusive 3,000-strikeout club. Both are three-time Cy Young Award winners, with Kershaw boasting 11 All-Star appearances and Scherzer eight. While they may not be at the peak of their powers, both pitchers are winding down their careers but remain capable big league starters chasing down milestones to pad their Hall of Fame cases.

The game carries additional intrigue as it's a matchup between first-place teams, with the Blue Jays leading the AL East by four games and the Dodgers holding a two-game lead in the NL West. Toronto's offense is particularly dangerous, leading MLB in batting average (.270) and on-base percentage (.338), and ranking second in doubles. Kershaw has been somewhat shaky recently, going 0-2 with a 4.71 ERA in July, while the Blue Jays have been demolishing left-handed pitchers, slashing .321/.400/.500 with a 154 wRC+ over the last 10 days.

The historical context makes this matchup special. Their first encounter dates back to September 9, 2008, when both were rookies, and this could potentially be the fifth and final time these superstars go head-to-head. As Scherzer himself noted, "You don't know how many more chances you are going to get at this, to face somebody of his ilk. This is what you dream of, facing the best."

With a game NERD score of 10.49 - comfortably above the daily average of 10.37 - this promises to be a compelling contest between two legendary pitchers still capable of delivering moments of baseball brilliance.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Toronto Blue Jays

Los Angeles Dodgers

Max Scherzer, Toronto Blue Jays

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

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Boston Red Sox @ San Diego Padres, 6:40p

Summary

The Red Sox and Padres square off in a pitching duel that promises more intrigue than the raw numbers might suggest. Nick Pivetta has been absolutely stellar, not allowing more than two earned runs in seven straight outings and sporting a remarkable 1.01 ERA. In contrast, Walker Buehler has struggled for most of the season, yielding exactly three earned runs in three of his previous four starts. The matchup is particularly spicy because Pivetta is facing his former team, adding an extra layer of competitive edge to the game.

The NERD score of 8.87 puts this game solidly above average, with some fascinating underlying dynamics. The Padres have been crushing right-handed pitchers recently, posting an .833 OPS and 137 wRC+, which spells potential trouble for Buehler. In fact, the current Padres roster has historically hit .259 against Buehler (35-for-135 with four doubles and six home runs).

The Padres are riding momentum, having won nine of their last eleven games and sitting just two games behind the NL West-leading Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Red Sox were on a seven-game winning streak before being stopped by the Royals. With both teams hungry and competitive, this game has all the makings of a tense, low-scoring affair that could come down to which pitcher can keep the opposing lineup in check.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Boston Red Sox

San Diego Padres

Walker Buehler, Boston Red Sox

Nick Pivetta, San Diego Padres

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Kansas City Royals @ Minnesota Twins, 5:10p

Summary

Prepare for a pitching duel that's more strategic chess match than slugfest, with two of the American League's most consistent starting pitchers squaring off in a battle of baseball precision. Both Seth Lugo and Joe Ryan rank among the top 10 AL starters, bringing elite command and swing-and-miss stuff to the mound. The game's 8.34 gNERD score hints at an analytically intriguing matchup, especially when you dig into the details. Joe Ryan stands out as one of baseball's most underrated aces, featuring pinpoint control (1.8 BB/9) and impressive strikeout potential (9.9 K/9). Lugo has become the stabilizing veteran presence for Kansas City, with an ability to work deep into games and a strong bullpen ready to protect any lead. Both teams are hovering just under .500 and will be looking to gain an edge, with the Twins slight home favorites. The pitching metrics suggest runs will be at a premium, with both starters excelling at limiting hard contact. The Royals have won 6 of Lugo's last 7 starts and lead the season series 4-3, adding an extra layer of competitive intrigue to this AL Central showdown.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Kansas City Royals

Minnesota Twins

Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals

Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins

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Athletics @ Baltimore Orioles, 4:05p

Summary

The Athletics and Orioles are set to clash in a game that promises more intrigue than its modest NERD scores might suggest. Both teams are having seasons that haven't gone according to plan, but the series opener presents an intriguing pitching matchup. The Athletics have shown signs of improvement, going 9-4 in their last 13 games, while bringing some underlying excitement to the diamond.

J.T. Ginn appears to have a slight edge, with his peripherals suggesting he's pitching better than his ERA indicates. In his last appearance, he struggled with control, yielding a career-high five walks, and he's never faced the Orioles before. His opponent, Tomoyuki Sugano, has been more consistent, going more than a month without a loss and sporting a 2-0 record in his last four starts - though he did previously lose to the Athletics, giving up four runs in just 4 1/3 innings.

The game's underlying narrative is enhanced by the Orioles' recent roster overhaul following a busy trade deadline, which has created new roles and opportunities for many players. Baltimore maintains an advantage in the bullpen, with Felix Bautista anchoring the back end with 19 saves and Keegan Akin providing reliable setup, while the Athletics' bullpen has been one of baseball's worst units.

Camden Yards has transformed into a pitcher-friendly park, and both starters have shown an ability to work deep into games. The mild weather conditions further support the potential for a lower-scoring affair. With the Orioles listed as -134 favorites, this game offers just enough unpredictability to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Athletics

Baltimore Orioles

J.T. Ginn, Athletics

Tomoyuki Sugano, Baltimore Orioles

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Colorado Rockies @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40p

Summary

Zac Gallen's impressive pNERD of 4.45 and the Diamondbacks' recent offensive surge make this a potentially entertaining matchup, despite the Rockies' struggling performance. Both teams are coming into the game on losing streaks, with Zac Gallen making his 24th start of the season and Austin Gomber starting for the Rockies, sporting a 0-5 record with a 6.18 ERA. The game's NERD score of 6.62 suggests a moderately watchable contest, with some intriguing underlying dynamics. The Diamondbacks have shown some offensive potential recently, hitting 11 home runs over the past 10 games, with 26 extra-base hits and a .224 batting average. Corbin Carroll has been particularly noteworthy, batting .257 with two home runs and six RBI, while Geraldo Perdomo has collected 10 hits with a solid slash line. On the Rockies' side, they've hit 16 home runs in their last 10 games, with a .470 slugging percentage and a .265 batting average. Gallen enters with more promise, while Gomber struggles with a 6.18 ERA and is allowing a .316 batting average to opposing hitters. The game's underlying statistics suggest more entertainment value than the teams' recent losing streaks might indicate, with potential for offensive fireworks and Gallen's pitching prowess as the primary draw.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Colorado Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks

Austin Gomber, Colorado Rockies

Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks

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Cleveland Guardians @ Chicago White Sox, 4:40p

Summary

The Guardians bring their wild-card chase momentum to Chicago, facing a struggling White Sox team that's desperate to play spoiler. Cleveland has won seven of its past eight games and is within 1½ games of the third AL wild-card spot, while the White Sox have lost four straight after being swept by the Mariners. The game's intrigue lies in the pitching matchup between Tanner Bibee and Aaron Civale, with some delightful statistical nuance. Civale has historically had some success against the Guardians, going 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA in three career starts, including a no-decision in his last outing where he allowed four runs in 5⅔ innings. Bibee counters with a 7-9 record and 4.51 ERA, having gone 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA against the White Sox, including a recent win where he threw 5⅔ innings of two-run ball. The game's watchability gets a boost from Luis Robert Jr., who's batting .377 with four homers and nine stolen bases since July 11, and has reached base safely in 23 straight games. While the Guardians are favored, the pitching matchup isn't terribly mismatched, but nearly everything else tilts in Cleveland's favor, with expectations that their lineup should find success against Civale.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Cleveland Guardians

Chicago White Sox

Tanner Bibee, Cleveland Guardians

Aaron Civale, Chicago White Sox

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Washington Nationals @ San Francisco Giants, 7:15p

Summary

The Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants square off in a game that's more of a statistical coin flip than a blockbuster matchup. The Giants are looking to end an eight-game home losing streak, while the Nationals are struggling with a 23-33 road record and an overall 45-69 season. Jake Irvin takes the mound with a 8-6 record, 4.89 ERA, and 88 strikeouts, facing off against Kai-Wei Teng, who's sporting a rough 0-1 record with a 13.50 ERA and only four strikeouts. The game's relatively low NERD score of 5.48 reflects the teams' middling performances, with the matchup essentially a coin flip, though the Giants technically have the better roster. The game might come down to home runs and preventing long balls - the Giants are 22-6 when hitting two or more home runs, while the Nationals are 26-15 in games where they don't give up home runs. Fans might find some intrigue in watching Rafael Devers (20 home runs for the Giants) and James Wood (45 extra-base hits for the Nationals), but overall, this looks like a relatively unremarkable evening of baseball.

(Claude generated this text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.)

Washington Nationals

San Francisco Giants

Jake Irvin, Washington Nationals

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