MLB Starting Pitchers · Projections & Recent Form

April 29, 2026 MLB Starting Pitchers

2 games · 2 starters · Updated Jun 4, 5:44 AM ET

The Almanac's Take

Thin slate today — two starters, both flagged medium confidence, so treat projections with appropriate skepticism. Rasmussen is the clear focal point: 6.5 projected Ks over 6.2 innings against Cleveland, with an elite matchup grade, 50°F at Progressive Field, and a ballpark that suppresses run scoring 9% — everything pointing toward a low-run environment that flatters his 1.4 projected ER. His 3.36 season ERA backs the projection. Kikuchi is a harder sell at a 5.81 ERA against the White Sox; the neutral matchup and modest 5.1 projected Ks over 5.1 innings don't offer much of a margin for error.

#1Drew Rasmussen(RHP)

Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Guardians

Progressive Field · Final

GS
11
IP
59.0
W-L
4-2
ERA
3.36
WHIP
1.00
K/9
8.40
BB/9
1.80
K/BB
4.58

Projection

Matchup · elite
IP
6.2
K
6.5
ER
1.4
H
4.8
HR
0.20
BB
1.3
QS%
80%
Win%
45%
DK pts
20.3
Floor
4.2
Ceiling
36.4
Rest
5d
  • Progressive Field suppresses run scoring by 9%
  • Cold conditions (50°F) suppress offense

Last 5 Starts

Recent starts for Drew Rasmussen.
DateIPHERBBKHRPDec
2026-04-246.05116198W
2026-04-183.72423264
2026-04-126.01007076W
2026-04-015.02118189
2026-03-265.04102173

#2Yusei Kikuchi(LHP)

Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox

Rate Field · Final

GS
7
IP
31.0
W-L
0-3
ERA
5.81
WHIP
1.58
K/9
9.60
BB/9
4.10
K/BB
2.36

Projection

Matchup · neutral
IP
5.1
K
5.1
ER
2.0
H
4.5
HR
0.20
BB
2.0
QS%
15%
Win%
45%
DK pts
13.6
Floor
2.8
Ceiling
24.4
Rest
5d
  • Rate Field suppresses run scoring by 5%

Last 5 Starts

Recent starts for Yusei Kikuchi.
DateIPHERBBKHRPDec
2026-04-245.05525090L
2026-04-186.04018086
2026-04-133.34443282
2026-04-075.06418097L
2026-04-015.36545091L

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