MLB Probable Pitchers: Top 5 Must-See MLB Pitching Battles ft Yankees' Luis Gil vs Orioles' Cole Irvin: June 20

On Thursday, some MLB teams will enjoy an off-day while others will continue scrounging for a win. While your team may not be among the 20 teams in action, there are certainly some pitching matchups of interest.

With a big weekend full of important matchups impending, today we will be examining some of the top pitching matchups to look forward to around MLB on Thursday.

Top 5 MLB Pitching Matchups - June 20

Cole Irvin vs Luis Gil

On Thursday, the Yankees will wrap up their three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. The two top teams in the AL will look to their respective starters to help stymie the opposing lineup.

For the Orioles, Cole Irvin will take the ball. Now 6-3 with a 3.03 ERA, the 6-foot-4 leftie has made considerable strides since he led the league in losses and hits surrendered as a member of the 2021 Oakland Athletics. Irvin was, however, charged with a loss in his last appearance against the Atlanta Braves after surrendering nine hits and three earned runs in 5.2 innings.

For the New York Yankees, Luis Gil will get the start. Originally brought in to replace the injured Gerrit Cole, Gil has outmatched all expectations. Heading into Thursday's match, the Dominican is 9-1 with a 2.03 ERA, a figure that leads AL starters.

"Luis Gil, Vicious 93mph Changeup." - Pitching Ninja

Seth Lugo vs Mitch Spence

At 34 years of age, Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo is facing the prospect of a career season, and heads into his team's Thursday clash with the A's boasting an AL-best 10 wins. Lugo's 2.40 ERA is the best on his team's rotation, and the 392 batters faced by Lugo this season are more than any other pitcher in MLB.

Lugo's opponent Mitch Spence will seek to give Oakland a chance to win at home on Thursday. With the possible exception of youngster Hogan Harris, Spence has been the A's best pitcher this year. The 26-year-old rookie has made 17 appearances this season, with six of them being starts. Thus far, Spencer is 4-3 with a 3.95 ERA across 57 innings pitched.

Luis Castillo vs Logan Allen

The Seattle Mariners' pitching has been nothing short of outstanding lately. Over their past five games, the team holds a 2.35 ERA, which leads MLB in that period of time.

On Thursday, it will be Luis Castillo's turn to keep his team's pitching reputation alive. Now 6-7 with a 3.32 ERA, Castillo's season is shaping up to be very similar to his last. The 31-year-old Dominican has struggled against Cleveland, owning a career 4.50 ERA in eight appearances.

"Luis Castillo, K'ing the Side." - Pitching Ninja

Logan Allen will take the ball for the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. Now 7-3, Allen was roughed up badly by the Colorado Rockies at the end of May, but has since recovered. Having surrendered just three earned runs over his last eleven innings, Allen brings a 5.30 ERA with him to the mound.

Gavin Stone vs Ty Black

Thursday afternoon will mark the culmination of a four-game series between the Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers, two NL West divisional foes.

Rookie Gavin Stone is primed to make the start for the Dodgers. Stone faced the Rockies for the only time in his career on June 2, and tossed five scoreless innings. On the season, Stone is 7-2 with a 3.01 ERA.

The Rockies will put their faith in Ty Blach. Now in his third season with the Rockies, Blach is 3-4 with a 4.65 ERA. In 20 lifetime appearances against the Dodgers, Blach is 4-3 with a 3.13 ERA.

Ryne Nelson vs MacKenzie Gore

The Arizona Diamondbacks will be closing out their series against the Nationals in Washington on Thursday. Right-hander Ryne Nelson is scheduled to start for Arizona while Washington will lean on southpaw MacKenzie Gore.

A 2019 second-round pick, Nelson has struggled to keep the opposing bats at bay this season. Though his most recent appearances came in the form of a six-inning, one-run performance against the White Sox, Nelson is still nursing a 5.49 ERA on the year.

After putting up a 7-10 record and a 4.42 ERA last season, MacKenzie Gore will be making his 15th start of the season for the Nats on Thursday. The owner of a career 5.68 ERA against the D-Backs, Gore is 6-5 with a 3.24 ERA on the season.

"mackenzie gore is actually filthy" - Optimistic Nats Fan