May 12 American League probable pitching matchup capsules

When healthy, Detroit’s Doug Fister has been one of the American League’s top pitchers this season – but he also has made just two starts so far. Fister makes No. 3 Friday night in the series opener in Oakland. Bet on Tigers-A’s and every game at WagerWeb.com.

LA Angels at Texas – Angels RHP Jerome Williams (3-1, 3.38) vs. Rangers LHP Matt Harrison (4-2, 5.11): Williams didn’t have his best stuff against the Blue Jays on Sunday, but gave up just three runs (two earned) in 6 2/3 innings to notch his second win in as many starts. The 30-year-old is 3-0 with a 2.15 ERA in his past four starts. … Harrison held the O’s to three runs in seven innings during a 14-3 win on Monday. He had allowed 15 runs in his two previous starts. He’s 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA in two starts at home. In four career starts against the Angels, he’s 1-1 with a 5.16 ERA.

Seattle at NY Yankees – Mariners RHP Hector Noesi (2-3, 6.30) vs. Yankees RHP Phil Hughes (2-4, 6.67): Acquired from the Yankees in the Jesus Montero-Michael Pineda trade, Noesi is coming off one of his best outings (seven innings of four-hit, one-run ball vs. the Twins). He has been inconsistent but seems to be finding a rhythm his past three starts. … Hughes has shown improvement in his last two starts, which could keep him in the rotation, even with Andy Pettitte’s return. He held the Royals to three runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings in his most recent outing.

Tampa Bay at Baltimore – Rays LHP Matt Moore (1-2, 5.71) vs. Orioles LHP Brian Matusz (1-4, 5.91): Moore had his worst start of the season Sunday against the Athletics, allowing eight earned runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings to take his second loss of the season. Moore made his Major League debut in a relief stint at Camden Yards on Sept. 14. … Matusz is looking to bounce back from his worst outing of the season. One start after giving up only one run in 6 1/3 innings against the Yankees, the lefty allowed seven runs on 10 hits in five innings while taking the loss on Monday against Texas.

Cleveland at Boston – Indians RHP Josh Tomlin (1-2, 4.67) vs. Red Sox LHP Felix Doubront (2-1, 5.01): In the nightcap of a doubleheader on Monday, Tomlin held the White Sox to two runs on five hits over 7 1/3 innings. The right-hander piled up a career-high eight strikeouts and issued two walks en route to a no-decision. … Doubront pitched better than his line indicated last time out, as he got the win against the Royals, giving up seven hits and four earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. Doubront is looking for his first win of the season at Fenway.

Kansas City at Chicago White Sox – Royals RHP Luke Hochevar (2-3, 9.00) vs. White Sox LHP Eric Stults (0-0, 3.00): Hochevar was roughed up in his last start, vs. the Yanks, allowing seven runs on seven hits and a walk in 2 1/3 innings. For the third time this year, and in the second straight game, Hochevar has allowed seven or more runs. … Although Robin Ventura hasn’t completely confirmed the order, it looks as if Stults will start Saturday start and Humber goes Sunday against the Royals. Stults allowed just two runs in six innings Monday against the Indians.

Toronto at Minnesota – Jays RHP Drew Hutchison (1-1, 6.65) vs. Twins RHP P.J. Walters (first start): Hutchison continues to show steady progress during his rookie campaign in Toronto. The 21-year-old served up Albert Pujols’ first homer of the season in his last start against the Angels but managed to limit the damage to four runs in 5 1/3 innings. … With Francisco Liriano moving to the bullpen, Walters will get his first start with the Twins. He fared well in six starts with Triple-A Rochester, posting a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts and six walks.

Detroit at Oakland – Tigers RHP Doug Fister (0-0, 0.00) vs. A’s RHP Brandon McCarthy (2-3, 2.96): Fister has 10 2/3 scoreless innings in two starts this year, with a DL stint for a rib-cage strain sandwiched in between. His 73 pitches for seven outstanding innings Monday was a strong sign he’s back in form, which is big news for Detroit. … Scratched from his Tuesday start because of shoulder soreness, McCarthy deemed himself ready for Saturday’s start following a pain-free bullpen session on Thursday. He has allowed no more than two runs in six of his seven starts.

Place your MLB baseball bets at our online sportsbook!