LEADING OFF: O's vs Jays for 1st place, Davis goes for MRI
A look at what's happening all around the majors today:
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EAST ON THE LINE
The Blue Jays and Orioles play for first place in the AL East. Toronto won the first two games of this three-game series to take a half-game lead over Baltimore and give the Orioles five straight losses since ending a five-game winning streak. Toronto's Aaron Sanchez (11-1, 2.72) has won 11 straight decisions since his last loss April 22. Baltimore's Chris Tillman (14-3, 3.47) allowed six runs over five innings in a loss to Colorado last time out, his first defeat since June 30.
ROYAL HEADACHE
The Royals are hoping for good news after sending closer Wade Davis back to Kansas City on Saturday night for an MRI on his right arm. Davis spent time on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month with a strain in his forearm, and had a disastrous outing in his last appearance on Wednesday.
KING VS. THE CUBS
Mariners ace Felix Hernandez (5-4, 3.45) hopes to get back on track in a primetime game against the Cubs. Hernandez has allowed 15 runs over his past three starts (18 2/3 innings), adding more than a run to his ERA. Left-hander Brian Matusz will be called up from Triple-A Iowa to start for Chicago, giving Kyle Hendricks and the rest of Chicago's rotation an extra day of rest.
CAIN GOES FOR 100
Giants right-hander Matt Cain (2-6, 5.95) tries for career victory No. 100 after winning his last time out Tuesday against the Reds and hitting a three-run homer. He would become the sixth pitcher in San Francisco history to win 100 in a Giants uniform, joining Hall of Famers Juan Marichal (238) and Gaylord Perry (134), Tim Lincecum (108), Kirk Rueter (105) and Mike McCormick (104). Washington counters with lefty Gio Gonzalez (6-8, 4.44).
PUIG BACK IN LINEUP
The Dodgers expect to finally get outfielder Yasiel Puig back in the lineup when they face the Arizona Diamondbacks. Puig hasn't started since July 20 due to tightness in his right hamstring, although he has pinch hit a few times. He's hitting .255 with seven homers and 32 RBIs in 272 at-bats.
FRESH FISH
Andrew Cashner (4-7, 4.76) makes his first start with Miami since being acquired from San Diego on Friday. The right-hander was pitching well prior to the trade, going 1-0 with a 2.55 ERA in his final three starts with the Padres. Carlos Martinez (10-6, 2.87) pitches for the Cardinals.
