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MLB Opening Day 2017: Top 5 pitching matchups

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) throws against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) throws against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Julio Teheran vs. Noah Syndergaard

2016 stats:
Teheran — 7-10, 3.21 ERA, 188.0 IP, 167 K, 41 BB, 1 SO, 1.053 WHIP, .223 BAA
Syndergaard — 14-9, 2.60 ERA, 183.2 IP, 218 K, 43 BB, 2.29 FIP, 0.5 HR/9

This matchup does not look good on paper, but Teheran vs. Syndergaard has the potential to deliver a pitching duel that cannot be matched around the league. Because Teheran pitches for the rebuilding Atlanta Braves, his talent is not recognize around the league, but do not underestimate his abilities.

Teheran is coming off an All-Star season, and has dominated against the Mets in his career. Over his last five starts against New York, he has a 0.73 ERA, and has allowed one run or less in six of his eight career starts at Citi Field. With the Mets still figuring out how to build their lineup around Yoenis Cespedes, Teheran could feast on them.

Noah Syndergaard has some of the best raw stuff in the league. Camilo Pascual holds the MLB record with 15 strikeouts on Opening Day. If any pitcher in the league is going to make a run at that record, it will be Syndergaard. He touches 100 mph with an easy flowing delivery, and spins his slider and changeup in the low 90s. Very few pitchers in the league can match his overpowering velocity. Syndergaard should do an even better job this season commanding his overwhelming arsenal.

Syndergaard versus Teheran has the potential to deliver one of the best pitching duels of the year. The Braves will suffer through plenty of losses in 2017, but on Opening Day, they will have as good a chance as any team in the league. Teheran and Syndergaard could trade zeroes, leading to one of the best games of the day.

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