LEADING OFF: Yankees honor Yogi; Rangers prep for Astros
A look at what's happening around the major leagues today:
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REMEMBERING YOGI
Back from their big series in Toronto, the Yankees plan to honor Yogi Berra before their first home game since the Hall of Fame catcher died Tuesday. New York takes on Chris Sale (12-10) and the White Sox in the opener of a four-game series. In a salute to Berra, the Yankees are wearing a No. 8 patch on their sleeves for the rest of the season.
COLE PLUGS HOLE
Cole Hamels and the Rangers play one more in Oakland before traveling to Houston to begin a pivotal three-game series Friday. The Rangers lead the AL West in part because they've won Hamels' past seven starts. The left-hander has a 3.73 ERA in nine outings since being acquired from Philadelphia before the July 31 trade deadline.
TROPHY CASE
Clayton Kershaw tries to augment his resume for a fourth NL Cy Young Award when the first-place Dodgers wrap up a four-game series against the Diamondbacks. Kershaw has a 1.17 ERA in 14 starts since the end of June and is up against teammate Zack Greinke and Cubs ace Jake Arrieta for the coveted pithing prize. Greinke was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday with a sore calf.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
The Pirates hope to get Aramis Ramirez back against Colorado after the third baseman was held out Wednesday with a sore left groin. Ramirez tweaked his groin legging out a triple Tuesday and said he learned a valuable lesson: ''No more triples. I'm going to stop at second from now on. Speed is not part of my game.''
PLAYOFF PITCH
Mets rookie Steven Matz makes his fourth start since coming off the disabled list when New York visits Cincinnati. The left-hander is 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA and could play an important role in the postseason for the NL East leaders if they hang on to win the division. He's won twice since recovering from a partially torn muscle near his armpit.
HERE'S JOHNNY?
Johnny Cueto looks to build on his best start in a while as the Royals host Seattle. The former Reds ace has struggled since joining Kansas City before the July 31 trade deadline, but held Detroit to two runs over seven innings his last time out. He had a 9.57 ERA in his five previous starts.
