LEADING OFF: Pineda returns, Price keeps winning

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

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PINEDA BACK IN PINSTRIPES

Locked in a tight race with Toronto atop the AL East, the New York Yankees get a major boost on the mound as Michael Pineda comes off the disabled list to start a matinee against Houston. The right-hander, sidelined since July 30 with a strained right forearm, is 9-7 with a 3.97 ERA and owns the best strikeout-to-walk ratio in the majors among pitchers who have thrown at least 100 innings. Collin McHugh (13-7, 3.96 ERA) gets the ball in the series finale for the AL West-leading Astros.

PRICE CHECK

David Price has yet to lose since joining the Blue Jays in a non-waiver deadline deal and puts his 3-0 record with Toronto on the line against Texas. Price has a 1.78 ERA in four starts since coming over from the Tigers. Colby Lewis (14-5, 4.29) will go for the Rangers having won six of his past seven starts.

WHIFF MACHINE

Chris Sale looks to continue a dominant stretch as the White Sox host the Red Sox. Sale's 3.34 ERA this season is the worst of his career, but he's been better of late, striking out 36 over 21 1-3 innings while winning his last three starts. Sale has struck out 12-plus batters in a game eight times this season, twice as often as any other pitcher in the majors. Rick Porcello (5-11, 5.81) is expected to return from the DL for Boston after dealing with a sore right triceps. He also has the worst ERA of his career.

FAST RETURNS

Jerad Eickhoff, the first prospect acquired in the Cole Hamels trade with Texas to reach the majors, will make his second big league start as the Phillies host the Mets. Eickhoff made a promising debut last Friday at Miami, tossing six scoreless innings in a 7-1 victory. The right-hander impressed Phillies manager Pete Mackanin with his curveball and command and also picked up his first two major league RBIs. Bartolo Colon (10-11, 4.90) pitches for the Mets.

SPIDEY FAN FACES FAVORITE

Chris Archer (11-9, 2.77) will face his favorite player growing up, Torii Hunter, and the Minnesota Twins Wednesday night. The Tampa Bay Rays ace is coming off a one-hit shutout Thursday against the Houston Astros. Archer is 4-0 with a 0.74 ERA in four starts against the Twins.