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LEADING OFF: Yanks eye ‘Cutch, Bryant likely off DL for Cubs
A look at what's happening around the majors today:
FINAL SALE
Andrew McCutchen was on the verge of becoming a Yankee late Thursday night as New York was close to completing a deal with San Francisco, and more players might move on the final day to swing trade waiver deals. The timetable for Aaron Judge's return from a broken wrist remains uncertain, meaning McCutchen could fill a big hole in the Bronx down the stretch. Among the players who could be traded Friday: Washington closer Ryan Madson has reportedly been claimed by the Dodgers, while Toronto could try to shop Josh Donaldson, Curtis Granderson or Justin Smoak.
GETTING CLOSE
Cubs star Kris Bryant is likely to come off the disabled list and join the NL Central leaders this weekend in Philadelphia. The 2016 NL MVP struck out twice Thursday while batting leadoff during a rehab stint at Triple-A Iowa. The third baseman has been out because of shoulder inflammation. Meanwhile, outfielder Jason Heyward left Thursday's game with tightness in his right hamstring after diving for a line drive. Heyward was able to walk slowly off the field. He'll be evaluated further but is expected to miss at least a couple of games.
WESTWORLD
Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke pitches the second leg of a pivotal four-game series against the NL West-rival Dodgers. Greinke is 2-0 in two starts against Los Angeles this season despite a 4.38 ERA. Hyun-Jin Ryu starts for the Dodgers. He gave up 11 hits in his previous start against San Diego but still pitched two-run ball over 5 2/3 innings in a victory.
FAMILIAR FOES
White Sox rookie Michael Kopech faces Boston for the first time since the Red Sox traded the hard-throwing prospect to Chicago in the Chris Sale deal after the 2016 season. Kopech was selected by Boston in the first round of the 2014 draft.
Kopech made his major league debut on Aug. 21 and threw six effective innings at Detroit on Sunday for his first win. Nathan Eovaldi pitches for major league-leading Boston. Eovaldi is 2-2 with a 3.94 ERA in six starts since Tampa Bay traded him to the Red Sox on July 25.
FACE OFF
Clean-shaven Corey Kluber gets the ball for Cleveland against Tyler Glasnow and the Rays. Kluber (16-7, 2.91) gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings to Kansas City last time out, but perhaps he'll get a different result after shaving his beard for the first time since Christmas. His wife had wagered he couldn't go a full season without shaving, but she called off the bet this week when she tired of all that face fuzz.
