MLB Probable Pitchers Matchups for April 2, 2026

Full starting pitcher matchups, game times, odds, and strikeout props for today's MLB slate

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:23am

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MLB probable pitchers for April 2, 2026 include Taj Bradley, Cole Ragans, Reynaldo Lopez, Ryne Nelson, David Peterson, and Robbie Ray. The slate features three games with some intriguing pitching matchups, including a late-night showdown between the Mets and Giants.

Why it matters

With just three games on the schedule, every pitching matchup carries extra significance. Fans and bettors will be closely watching the performance of young arms like Bradley and Nelson, while the Peterson vs. Ray clash promises plenty of strikeouts.

The details

In the early game, Taj Bradley of the Twins faces off against Cole Ragans of the Royals. Bradley had a strong first outing, while Ragans was roughed up by the Braves. The Braves' Reynaldo Lopez takes on the Diamondbacks' Ryne Nelson in the late afternoon. And the nightcap features Mets lefty David Peterson against Robbie Ray of the Giants, a matchup of contrasting pitching styles.

  • The Twins-Royals game starts at 2:10 PM ET.
  • The Braves-Diamondbacks game starts at 9:40 PM ET.
  • The Mets-Giants game starts at 9:45 PM ET.

The players

Taj Bradley

A young Twins pitcher who had an impressive first start, allowing just one run with nine strikeouts.

Cole Ragans

The Royals' starter who struggled in his debut, giving up four runs on six hits including three home runs.

Reynaldo Lopez

The Braves' pitcher who held the Royals to one run in six innings in his first outing, despite a high xERA.

Ryne Nelson

The Diamondbacks' young righty who had a strong 2025 season with a 2.71 ERA and 3.14 FIP.

David Peterson

The Mets' lefty who will try to keep the ball on the ground against the strikeout-heavy Robbie Ray.

Robbie Ray

The Giants' veteran starter who has averaged over a strikeout per inning in eight of his 10 MLB seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Taj Bradley got off to an encouraging start, allowing just one run on three hits with nine strikeouts in 4.1 innings against the Orioles on Saturday.”

— Steve Buchanan, Author

“Cole Ragans got roughed up by the Braves in his first start, allowing four runs on six hits, three of which were home runs.”

— Steve Buchanan, Author

“Ryne Nelson was stellar in Arizona last season, boasting a 2.71 ERA with a .262 wOBA allowed and a 3.14 FIP.”

— Steve Buchanan, Author

“David Peterson will try to keep the ball on the ground as he did in 2025 with a 55% ground ball rate.”

— Steve Buchanan, Author

“Robbie Ray has averaged over a strikeout per inning in eight of his 10 seasons.”

— Steve Buchanan, Author

The takeaway

This MLB slate may be light on games, but the pitching matchups are full of intrigue. Fans and bettors will be closely watching the performances of young arms like Taj Bradley and Ryne Nelson, while the late-night showdown between David Peterson and Robbie Ray promises plenty of strikeouts.