MLB: What to watch on June 13, 2026

• 13 June 2026
• 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 Dodgers @ Chicago White Sox, 1:10p

Summary

High-profile pitching vs. high-powered lineups: this is the single most watchable game on the slate by gNERD, largely because Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s quality starts meet a surprisingly lively White Sox offense — even if Chicago is missing a key bat. The metrics back the headline: both teams carry elite tNERD marks, and Yamamoto’s pNERD (8.14) reflects real upside — elite xFIP- and above-average velocity that suggests he can miss barrels and rack strikeouts — while Sean Burke profiles as competent but less likely to dominate, making for a clear pitcher-versus-lineup narrative. Yamamoto also has a strong history against Chicago and has been one of the Dodgers’ steadier arms this season, which amplifies the matchup story. The White Sox are an overperforming young roster that’s earned attention in June, though they’ll be without Munetaka Murakami (hamstring; out until July), a loss that trims their upside but doesn’t erase their ability to threaten. Expect a watchable contrast: top-tier Dodger staff work and power (Miguel Vargas among the homers leaders) versus a scrappy, emerging South Side offense that makes this one the day’s must-see.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Los Angeles Dodgers (2.45); radio, Chicago White Sox (2.57)

Los Angeles Dodgers

Chicago White Sox

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers

Sean Burke, Chicago White Sox

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New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays, 12:07p

Summary

This is a high-watchability pitching matchup because Cam Schlittler’s true-blowup rookie/early-career season (high pNERD, elite velo and strike profile) promises lots of swing-and-miss, while Kevin Gausman is a competent, veteran counter who’ll keep things tense but probably not dominate. The 14.50 gNERD sits well above today’s average and is driven by an explosive Yankees tNERD (8.99) and a monster Schlittler pNERD (10.23), so expect a game tilted toward high-leverage strikeout innings rather than a duel of two equals. Schlittler’s profile — upper-90s heat, strong strike% and whiff attributes — is what pushes the watchability needle; he’s been a breakout story this season and opponents have struggled to square him up. Gausman (pNERD 6.21) is solid and benefits from a Blue Jays defense and bullpen that can keep things interesting, but Toronto’s meek offensive tNERD (3.57) means the lineup probably won’t force a slugfest. A late wrinkle: the Yankees dealt with Trent Grisham’s hamstring issue in the series, which could mute New York’s baserunning/defensive upside if he’s unavailable. Overall: best for viewers who like power stuff, high strikeout rates, and a clear favorites-versus-depth storyline rather than a balanced, unpredictable slugfest.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Toronto Blue Jays (3.10); radio, Toronto Blue Jays (2.39)

New York Yankees

Toronto Blue Jays

Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees

Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays

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Chicago Cubs @ San Francisco Giants, 7:05p

Summary

This looks like one of the day's better pitching duels: two young arms with high pNERD and above-average stuff, plus a Cubs club profile that should make miscues costly. Ben Brown and Trevor McDonald both carry pNERD ~8.6, with strong xFIP- marks (75/77) and above-average velocity on Brown—so expect fastballs that challenge hitters and short-leash managers if traffic builds. Brown’s breakout form has been noted by team coverage, while McDonald has bounced between Sacramento and San Francisco recently, which adds an unpredictable rookie element to his outing. The Cubs’ tNERD (8.61) is being propped up by elite fielding and strong broadcast interest; the Giants’ low tNERD (2.57) reflects poor baserunning and a shaky pen, although their large positive “luck” suggests they may be running below their true talent for a spell. Injuries and rotation churn (Cubs’ Taillon timeline) and recent Giants bullpen moves could swing late-inning drama, so this game’s high gNERD (14.24) honestly earns a spot on your watchlist.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, San Francisco Giants (3.20); radio, San Francisco Giants (3.49)

Chicago Cubs

San Francisco Giants

Ben Brown, Chicago Cubs

Trevor McDonald, San Francisco Giants

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Philadelphia Phillies @ Milwaukee Brewers, 4:10p

Summary

Watch this if you like a contrast: Milwaukee’s club-level oomph and a lively rookie-leftie make the game more entertaining than the raw lines imply. Aaron Nola’s steady-but-struggling profile (high contact, creeping walks, slow pace) against Shane Drohan’s younger, harder stuff and better pNERD creates a tasty matchup. The gNERD of 12.82 sits above today’s average and around the upper quartile historically, driven by a Brewers tNERD edge (7.20) and Drohan’s strong pNERD (7.32). Nola’s 2026 season has been uneven — strikeouts present but runs and walks elevated — so there’s upside if he finds command, though his slow pace hurts watchability. Drohan’s recent call-up and early-season effectiveness (low-to-mid 3.00s ERA, better K/BB) give the Brewers a clear in-game advantage and a higher ceiling for high-leverage action. The Brewers took the first game of the series and have momentum in the rotation decision-making, which favors a competitive outing. If you prefer strikeout/velocity showings and bullpen leverage, this one’s worth prioritizing; if you want low-variance, grind-it-out baseball, pass.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Philadelphia Phillies (2.92); radio, Philadelphia Phillies (2.69)

Philadelphia Phillies

Milwaukee Brewers

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies

Shane Drohan, Milwaukee Brewers

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Texas Rangers @ Boston Red Sox, 1:10p

Summary

A watchable pitching duel on paper: Jacob deGrom’s elite pNERD and velocity promise high-leverage strikeout stuff, while Ranger Suárez offers steady left‑handed control — the game’s gNERD (12.74) sits above today’s average and suggests this is better than your ordinary afternoon snoozer. deGrom arrives hot — unbeaten across 11 June innings with a big K/BB split — so his jumpy fastball and swinging‑strike profile (pNERD 9.65) are the real draw. Suárez isn’t a shutdown mirror but he’s legit (signed in January and settled into Boston’s rotation) and limits damage with a contact/pace profile that explains his middling-but-respectable pNERD (5.61). Team NERDs pull this toward a pitchers’ game: Boston’s edge comes from standout fielding and a reliable bullpen plus positive “luck” that hints at modest regression toward better run support, while Texas’s offense shows weak barrel and batting metrics that mute the upside for a slugfest. The matchup favors watching for deGrom’s swing‑and‑miss stuff and whether Boston’s defense and Suárez’s control can keep it close; if you want strikeouts and micro‑strategic battles, prioritize this one.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Boston Red Sox (2.47); radio, Boston Red Sox (2.64)

Texas Rangers

Boston Red Sox

Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers

Ranger Suarez, Boston Red Sox

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Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Guardians, 1:10p

Summary

This is a watchable pitching-centric showdown because Tarik Skubal — back from elbow surgery after a sharp rehab outing — returns as a bona fide ace opposite a competent but streaky Joey Cantillo, and the gNERD (12.54) sits above today's average and in the historical upper quartile. Skubal's huge pNERD (11.08) comes from elite underlying stuff (strong xFIP-, above-average strike/whiff rates and velocity) and the storyline of a soft rehab-to-rotation return that could tilt the game toward strikeouts and short outings for Cleveland's lineup; the Tigers officially announced his activation and planned start. Cantillo (pNERD 3.09) is serviceable overall this year but has been bumpy recently — a couple of ugly outings mixed with quality starts — so this is a clear strike-tilt vs. contact-tilt mismatch for viewers. Team nerds push the Guardians (tNERD 7.37) as the more interesting roster overall (bullpen and baserunning add intrigue) while Detroit's low tNERD (3.54) and negative fielding runs limit offense-driven drama, though Detroit’s positive Luck suggests they could start finding runs soon. Overall: tune in if you want an ace’s comeback and a likely battle of swing-and-miss vs. situational contact; skip if you need a guaranteed offensive slugfest.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Detroit Tigers (2.74); radio, Cleveland Guardians (3.14)

Detroit Tigers

Cleveland Guardians

Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Joey Cantillo, Cleveland Guardians

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Miami Marlins @ Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05p

Summary

Two pitchers with very different resumes make this a watchable contrast: Bubba Chandler’s electric velo and rookie shine promise strikeout upside, while Lake Bachar’s steadier underlying metrics and a lively Marlins lineup/bullpen profile make the game more likely to settle into competitive baseball than a blowout. The gNERD of 12.09 sits comfortably above both the historical median and today’s mean, driven more by team factors (MIA’s young, rangy roster, strong baserunning and a surprisingly useful pen) than by a pitching duel; Marlins tNERD (7.47) outpaces Pittsburgh’s (6.42), and their bullpen and baserunning are real contributors. Lake Bachar grades better on peripherals (positive xFIP- and swing‑and‑miss components) while Chandler brings elite velocity and prospect pedigree but worse xFIP, a profile that implies upside with risk—swing-and-miss potential offset by contact/limitation issues. Recent notes: Chandler remains a touted young arm with flashes in early 2026, and Miami’s injury/transaction churn has been quiet but watchable context for lineup decisions. If you like heat vs. process and offense-first watching, this game punches above average; if you prefer tidy, low-variance pitching, less so.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Pittsburgh Pirates (2.01); radio, Pittsburgh Pirates (1.98)

Miami Marlins

Pittsburgh Pirates

Lake Bachar, Miami Marlins

Bubba Chandler, Pittsburgh Pirates

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Seattle Mariners @ Washington Nationals, 1:05p

Summary

Not must-see, but worth tuning into: a middling gNERD (11.51) hides a tasty contrast—Luis Castillo looks like a volatile veteran who’s been unlucky and could rebalance, while Cade Cavalli brings uptempo life and the Nationals’ offense (and a shaky bullpen) promise game-to-game drama. MLB previews list Castillo and Cavalli as the probables and show the matchup as a traditional pitcher-vs-velocity test.

Castillo’s surface numbers (5.16 ERA) understate the profile: his pNERD and a big positive Luck component suggest he’s been underperforming his peripherals and is a candidate to stabilize, which makes him a live long-relief arm to watch if he finds the zone. Cavalli, Washington’s Opening Day pick, pairs better-than-average velocity and strike metrics with a rotation role that has flashed promise and occasional hittable starts—he’s the high-leverage, high-variance counterpoint.

Context matters: Seattle’s offense showed pop in a 10–2 win the night before, so there’s immediate lineup heat, while Washington’s bullpen has been a recurring weak link, adding volatility late. That combination—undervalued pitcher regression, hard-throwing opponent, lively offenses, and a leaky ‘pen—makes the game moderately watchable for fans who like swings and late-game uncertainty.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Seattle Mariners (2.35); radio, Seattle Mariners (2.52)

Seattle Mariners

Washington Nationals

Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners

Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals

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Atlanta Braves @ New York Mets, 1:10p

Summary

Watch this if you like a matchup where the visiting lineup and bullpen promise action while the pitching story is more about intrigue than dominance. The gNERD of 11.17 sits above the long-run mean (10.11) but a touch under today’s slate average (11.62), which tells you this should be reasonably entertaining mostly because Atlanta’s team profile is noisy and New York’s pitching plans are unsettled.

Atlanta’s high tNERD (7.49) is driven by a productive offense (good batting runs and barrel rate) and a stout bullpen, so you can expect the lineup to generate chances even if Martín Pérez himself projects as a modestly watchable arm (pNERD 3.95): he brings decent underlying results but low whiff rates and suppressed velocity this year, so he’s more craft than swing-and-miss. Pérez’s role and recent usage are documented on his team page and velocity trendlines. The Mets currently list their opponent as “TBD” (pNERD 0 here) but reporting has Sean Manaea slated to work in a bulk/opener role, so there’s late breaking uncertainty in how the Mets will deploy starters and the bullpen — and that kind of managerial chess usually raises watchability. Finally, Atlanta is managing rotation durability concerns after Spencer Strider left a recent start with arm soreness, which could add bullpen drama.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, New York Mets (3.32); radio, New York Mets (3.05)

Atlanta Braves

New York Mets

Martín Pérez, Atlanta Braves

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San Diego Padres @ Baltimore Orioles, 1:05p

Summary

Watch if you like competent defense, awkwardly entertaining bullpens, and the minor‑league‑to‑big‑league storyline; skip if you want a duel between elite arms. The gNERD (11.05) sits above the historical median but a touch below today’s slate average, meaning this is a solid, middle‑of‑the‑day watch driven more by team texture than by superstar pitching.

San Diego’s tNERD is high because their fielding and broadcast draw are doing heavy lifting even as their offense has underperformed — that contrast makes for low‑stress, potentially quirky ball: good plays, uneven scoring. Baltimore’s tNERD leans on above‑average offense and a modestly lively profile. On the mound, the pitching story is thin: Randy Vásquez is the only real box‑score intriguer (midrange pNERD, mid‑90s velo, decent road results this year), while Trey Gibson shows pNERD = 0 in your inputs, signaling no model data here even though he’s a recently recalled young arm stepping into the rotation after Chris Bassitt’s IL move — a classic “prospect vs. pro” narrative. Those elements — defense, broadcastability, a bullpen wildcard, and Gibson’s small‑sample rookie curiosity — are why this game is watchable even without top‑tier pitching.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, San Diego Padres (3.47); radio, San Diego Padres (3.37)

San Diego Padres

Baltimore Orioles

Randy Vásquez, San Diego Padres

Trey Gibson, Baltimore Orioles

No detailed stats available

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St. Louis Cardinals @ Minnesota Twins, 11:10a

Summary

Not a marquee showdown, but quietly watchable: a middling gNERD masks an interesting duel between a steady Liberatore and a rookie lefty with a swing-and-miss offering. MLB lists Liberatore and Prielipp as the probables, so this is the matchup on the board.

The gNERD of 10.97 sits just above the historical median (10.10) but below today’s mean (11.62), so expect a middling-but-entertaining game rather than must-see drama. St. Louis carries the intrigue here — a high tNERD (7.89) thanks to strong fielding, baserunning and youth — while Minnesota’s team profile (tNERD 2.14) suggests weaker defense and baserunning, which opens paths for a higher-contact, situational game. Matthew Liberatore’s peripherals are roughly league-average with usable velocity and a modest pNERD (5.25), offering reliable innings; his profile makes for innings-eating watchability. Connor Prielipp (pNERD 6.67) is the real draw: a young lefty with workload management and a high-end breaking pitch who’s still new to big-league life — his presence makes this more compelling than the raw gNERD implies.

If you’ll tune in, do it for Prielipp’s stuff and how the Cards try to exploit the Twins’ defensive weaknesses; otherwise, it’s a fine passable game.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Minnesota Twins (2.30); radio, St. Louis Cardinals (2.15)

St. Louis Cardinals

Minnesota Twins

Matthew Liberatore, St. Louis Cardinals

Connor Prielipp, Minnesota Twins

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Houston Astros @ Kansas City Royals, 4:10p

Summary

Skip the marquee hopes: this is a low-sizzle pitchers-meet-weak-offenses game—Houston’s rookie-ish Burrows has been getting hit (especially by homers) while KC’s Noah Cameron is the steadier, more watchable arm. Last night’s 10–8 first-inning fireworks at Kauffman show the park and matchup can produce runs, but the NERD math (gNERD 9.13, below today’s average) and both teams’ weak tNERD components argue this isn’t a must-see. Mike Burrows carries the baggage—3–8, recent homers allowed and uneven results—so his lower pNERD tracks with his profile as hittable rather than deceptive. Noah Cameron grades better (pNERD 6.92): his underlying stuff and xFIP look more competent, and his quick pace can keep the game moving even if it isn’t elite pitching. Team metrics say the Astros and Royals aren’t offering much to boost watchability (low tNERDs), though KC’s large positive “Luck” suggests some offensive regression could make future games livelier. The takeaway: tune in only if you want a shorter game with a live-at-bat Royals offense or to watch Cameron’s command—otherwise you won’t be missing much.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Houston Astros (2.17); radio, Kansas City Royals (2.22)

Houston Astros

Kansas City Royals

Mike Burrows, Houston Astros

Noah Cameron, Kansas City Royals

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Colorado Rockies @ Athletics, 7:05p

Summary

Not a can’t-miss showdown: this one’s a slow burn rather than prime-time theater — wobbly Rockies offense and an uninspiring gNERD (9.07) make it lower-tier viewing, but there’s a sliver of intrigue in the pitching matchup because one starter is a veteran with odd peripherals and the other is essentially an unknown. Kyle Freeland’s pNERD (3.78) points to a pitcher with middling peripherals (xFIP- above average and below-average velocity) who’s been unusually unlucky lately — the NERD inputs peg him as someone who should outperform his recent results — while Oakland’s starter, Joey Estes, carries pNERD = 0 because he’s freshly recalled and hasn’t produced enough MLB data (his early call-up and rough initial outing were noted this week). Team-wise, Colorado’s tNERD (2.51) is hamstrung by a dreadful offense (-42 batting runs, low barrel rate), whereas Oakland’s higher tNERD (6.85) reflects better underlying hitting and a bullpen that grades okay; their positive “luck” suggests they’ve underperformed and could be due for bounceback offense. Overall: fine for fans who enjoy watching pitchers try to right themselves or scouting a rookie arm, not recommended if you want high-event fireworks.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Colorado Rockies (1.73); radio, Athletics (1.94)

Colorado Rockies

Athletics

Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies

Joey Estes, Athletics

No detailed stats available

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Arizona Diamondbacks @ Cincinnati Reds, 1:10p

Summary

Short version: a low-key, risk-reward start: Michael Soroka is the dependable veteran you can pencil in for a tidy outing, while Rhett Lowder’s recent return from the injured list makes him a live undercard — that combination keeps this game interesting for process nerds but not must-see TV. Soroka’s pNERD (6.08) and recent string of quality outings suggest a low-variance, ground-ball/weak-contact profile that suppresses big innings, so he’s the primary reason this game isn’t a total snooze. Lowder’s pNERD (1.89) reflects the gamble: he was activated after a shoulder issue and has shown inconsistency in swing-and-miss and strike rates, so expect him to either keep things close or hand the game to the bats/pen early. Team-wise, Cincinnati’s slightly higher tNERD and elevated barrel rate mean the offense has pop against lefties, and their positive “Luck” suggests they could start converting underlying skill into runs; Arizona’s fielding and Soroka’s steadiness are their counterbalance. Put together, the gNERD of 8.82 sits below today’s average and historic mean, so prioritize other matchups unless you like smart pitching duels or want to watch Lowder’s health-and-command narrative play out.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Arizona Diamondbacks (2.19); radio, Cincinnati Reds (2.11)

Arizona Diamondbacks

Cincinnati Reds

Michael Soroka, Arizona Diamondbacks

Rhett Lowder, Cincinnati Reds

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Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Angels, 7:07p

Summary

Not a must-watch by the book: this is the lowest gNERD on the slate, mostly because two tepid team profiles drag the score down — but José Soriano’s high-octane season and Griffin Jax’s starter conversion give the game a spoiler-possibility worth a peek. Soriano’s stuff (high velocity, strong strikeout profile, excellent surface stats) makes him the clear draw; he’s the more watchable arm here and has been one of the Angels’ few bright spots. Griffin Jax is less flashy but intriguing as a reliever-turned-starter who’s begun reintroducing a cutter and finding some traction, which lifts his pNERD into respectable territory. The matchup collapses on the team side: both clubs post very low tNERDs today (Angel offense/defense issues and a Rays lineup with a weak barrel rate and shaky bullpen), so the odds of a back-and-forth offensive showcase are small and the game feels like a pitcher-driven grind unless Soriano runs into trouble. In short: don’t prioritize this one, but tune in if you want to watch Soriano’s heater and see whether Jax’s starter adjustments stick.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Los Angeles Angels (2.59); radio, Tampa Bay Rays (2.10)

Tampa Bay Rays

Los Angeles Angels

Griffin Jax, Tampa Bay Rays

José Soriano, Los Angeles Angels

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  MLB: What to watch on June 12, 2026