LEADING OFF: A-Rod chases 3,000 hits; 40-somethings on mound

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

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CLOSING IN

Alex Rodriguez needs three hits to become the 29th player to reach 3,000 when the New York Yankees face Mat Latos and the visiting Miami Marlins. Latos struck out a season-high 11 in seven innings against Colorado in his last start, indicating his legs are finally fully healthy. He'll be facing the Yankees for the first time in his career.

LIFE BEGINS AT 40

Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, 40, faces his former team for the first time when he starts against the New York Mets. Dickey won the NL Cy Young Award with the Mets in 2012 before they traded him to Toronto. His opponent will be 42-year-old Bartolo Colon. No pair of opposing starters has had an older combined age since Aug. 15, 2008, when Philadelphia's Jamie Moyer (45) beat San Diego's Greg Maddux (42).

THE SECOND TIME

Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander makes his second start of the season in Cincinnati. The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner had been sidelined by a strained right triceps. He went five innings against Cleveland in his return on Saturday, giving up three hits and two runs with two strikeouts in a 5-4 Tigers loss.

BACK ON THE HILL

Doug Fister and the Washington Nationals host Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Archer in a game with a little extra meaning for both pitchers. Archer is returning to the site of his major league debut in 2012, while Fister (flexor strain) is coming off the disabled list to make his first start since May 14.

LEADING MAN

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole (10-2) tries to become the first 11-game winner in the majors when he faces Jeff Samardzija (4-4) and the struggling Chicago White Sox.