MLB Probable Pitchers for Wednesday, October 19 (Who's Starting for Every MLB Team Today?)

The Philadelphia Phillies took a 1-0 lead in the NLCS against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night, behind this monster home run from Kyle Schwarber that went 488 feet.

Philadelphia has a chance to take a commanding lead in the series before it heads back home, and it has the right man on the mound to do so in Aaron Nola. 

In the American League, the New York Yankees advanced to the ALCS with a 5-1 win in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday. There’s no off time for New York, as the team heads to Houston for another ALCS against the Houston Astros. 

Can New York finally get past this team? Jameson Taillon gets the ball in Game 1 with the Yankees looking to pull off the upset. 

Here are the pitching matchups for both playoff games on Wednesday: 

New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros Probable Pitchers

• Yankees: Jameson Taillon (14-5, 3.91 ERA)
• Astros: Justin Verlander (18-4, 1.75 ERA)

This is a clear advantage for the Astros, even though Verlander did not look good in Game 1 against the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS. 

Verlander tossed seven innings of one-run ball against the Yankees in his lone start against them this season, and the Astros have gone 21-8 when their ace gets the ball in 2022. 

As for Taillon, he pitched out of the bullpen in the ALDS, failing to get an out in the Yankees’ Game 2 loss. Houston crushed Taillon for 10 hits and six runs in his lone start against them this season. 

It will be interesting to see if the Yankees tax their bullpen tonight if Taillon gets into trouble early. 

Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Diego Padres Probable Pitchers

• Phillies: Aaron Nola (11-13, 3.25 ERA)
• Padres: Blake Snell (8-10, 3.38 ERA)

Both of these starters didn’t finish with great win-loss records, but their ERAs speak for themselves. 

Nola pitched seven innings of one-run, 10-strikeout ball in his one start against San Diego this season. Snell made two starts against Philly, allowing seven runs across 9.1 innings pitched. 

The Phillies have to love Nola’s postseason start, as he’s given up one run (none earned) across two starts. Snell bounced back with a solid showing against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS after struggling in the wild card round. 

I’d give the edge to Nola here, even on the road. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.