LEADING OFF: Cards-Dodgers; Keuchel in June; Harvey Day
A look at what's happening all around the major leagues today:
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OCTOBER REMATCH
The top two teams in the National League open a four-game series when the St. Louis Cardinals visit Los Angeles. Michael Wacha (7-1) pitches against Carlos Frias (4-2) and the Dodgers, eliminated by St. Louis in the playoffs the past two seasons. Joc Pederson has homered in five straight games, becoming the first Dodgers rookie to accomplish that feat.
MAN OF THE MONTH
Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel, the AL pitcher of the month for April and May, takes a 7-1 record and 1.76 ERA into his first start of June when the Astros host Baltimore. Keuchel joined Andy Pettitte (2005) and Randy Johnson (1998) as the only pitchers in team history to win a pitcher of the month award twice in one season. Johnson was the only one who had done it in consecutive months.
HELP ON THE WAY
The slumping Seattle Mariners hope outfielder Mark Trumbo can help their stagnant offense after acquiring him Wednesday from Arizona as part of a six-player trade. Trumbo was batting .259 with nine home runs and 23 RBIs for the Diamondbacks. With five regulars hitting under .250, Seattle (24-29) has lost five straight going into its series opener against Tampa Bay.
START ME UP
Cuban infielder Hector Olivera begins his professional career with Double-A Tulsa, a minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 30-year-old Olivera signed a $62.5 million, six-year contract on May 19 and was added to the 40-man roster. He has been working out in Arizona for the last two weeks. Los Angeles said Olivera had a .323 career average in Cuba.
ROSE GARDEN REGULARS
The World Series champion San Francisco Giants visit the White House on their off day before opening a weekend series in Philadelphia. The Giants are no strangers to President Barack Obama after winning titles in 2010, `12 and `14. ''It's a fun time for all of us, a special time. You're getting honored,'' manager Bruce Bochy said. ''The ring ceremony, the parade, this is the last part of the success you had the previous season.'' Friday starter Tim Lincecum will skip the ceremony by choice and fly separately Thursday morning to get rested in Philadelphia.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Matt Harvey pitches for the New York Mets in their series opener at Arizona, where he struck out 11 over 5 1-3 shutout innings to win his major league debut on July 26, 2012. Harvey (5-3) is winless in his last five starts, matching a career worst with three straight losses. He's allowed at least four earned runs in consecutive outings for the first time.
