Today's Matchup: Milwaukee (Peralta) vs. Chicago (Feldman)

Wily Peralta's (0-1, 6.19 ERA, 4.90 FIP) last start was not his best effort. Against the Giants, he pitched into the fifth inning, but failed to record an out in that frame. He allowed three runs in the third inning, a run in the fourth, and one more in the fifth before being pulled for Mike Fiers. He only struck out one batter while walking three and giving up seven hits. Thankfully, the Brewers bats put up a big game, including an eight run third, and won the game for the team.

In my book, that gives Peralta one bad start, one good start, and one mediocre-to-bad start in his first three appearances of 2013. That one good start came against his opponent today as he allowed just two runs to the Cubs over 6.2 innings on April 9.

Peralta has not faced any Cubs players ten times yet.

For Chicago, Scott Feldman (0-2, 6.00 ERA, 6.58 FIP) will take the mound. The Cubs signed Feldman to a one year, $6 million contract in the offseason after the 30 year old right hander spent his first eight seasons with the Texas Rangers. He had a poor year in 2012, making 21 starts in 29 appearances and carrying a 5.09 ERA. His peripherals aren't so bad--he had a 3.81 FIP and 3.87 xFIP--but opponents have been able to hit him hard in the past.

His career with the Cubs hasn't gotten off to the most sterling beginning. In two starts, he has pitched a total of just nine innings and has allowed 10 runs (six earned) with a 4:7 K:BB ratio. Feldman has also been dealing with tightness in his back, which could be the cause of some of his pitching woes. The Cubs used an off day to skip his spot in the rotation and give him some rest.

Feldman throws four pitches primarily: A 92 MPH sinker (34% pitch selection), a 90 MPH cutter (26%), a 77 MPH curveball (24%), and an 86 MPH changeup (12%). Over his career, the cutter has been by far his most valuable pitch.

Having spent most of his career in the AL, Feldman has faced just one current Brewer at least ten times. In 16 plate appearances, Yuniesky Betancourt has hit .313/.313/.438 against Feldman.

Lineups:

In the bullpen:

• Burke Badenhop pitched 1 inning (9 pitches) yesterday and .2 innings (8 pitches) Friday.
• Brandon Kintzler pitched 2 innings (26 pitches) yesterday.
• Michael Gonzalez pitched 1 inning (25 pitches) yesterday.
• John Axford pitched 1 inning (20 pitches) Friday.
  
• Tom Gorzelanny pitched .1 innings (5 pitches) Friday.
  
• Jim Henderson pitched 1 inning (17 pitches) Friday.
• Alfredo Figaro pitched one inning (21 pitches) Friday.