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LEADING OFF: Scherzer returns to Coors, Nova goes for Yanks

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A look at what's happening all around the major leagues today:

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WELCOME BACK

Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer will make his first appearance at Coors Field since 2009. Scherzer has a 5.63 ERA in three starts in Denver, but hasn't pitched there since blossoming into a Cy Young pitcher with the Tigers after a trade away from the Diamondbacks and the NL West in 2009. Yohan Flande pitches for the Rockies and hasn't lost since July 3, a span of eight appearances (four starts).

WELL ARMED

Ivan Nova will start for the Yankees one day after teammate Nathan Eovaldi dominated in a 4-3 win over the Twins. Nova returned from Tommy John surgery in June and has become one of the Yankees' most dependable pitchers, going at least five innings in each of his nine starts. His 3.57 ERA is second among the team's current starters, trailing only Masahiro Tanaka (3.56 ERA).

TEXAS HEAT

The Rangers have won five of their past six and look to continue their charge at an AL wild card spot, giving the ball to left-hander Martin Perez against the Tigers. Perez has made six starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, posting a 5.29 ERA. He's allowed just five earned runs over 20 1/3 innings his last three outings - all Texas wins.

UNCHARTED TERRITORY

Jake Arrieta starts for the Cubs in the opener of a four-game series against Atlanta. Arrieta has already set a career high for innings, coming in with 162 over 24 starts. His last 11 times out, he's 8-1 with a 1.35 ERA and has picked up the win in his last three starts. Rookie Mike Foltynewicz (4-4, 5.61 ERA) goes for the Braves with a 7.71 ERA in his past three outings.

OFF COURSE

First-time All-Star Chris Archer has hit a rough patch since a hot start but looks to right the ship for the Rays against AL West-leading Houston. The right-hander dropped his ERA to 1.84 through 13 starts on June 7, but he's gone 3-5 with a 4.09 ERA in 12 starts since. Collin McHugh (13-6, 4.09 ERA) will pitch for the Astros.