LEADING OFF: Astros stalk 10th W in row, Weaver goes for 1st
A look at what's happening all around the major leagues today:
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ASTROS BLAST OFF
The surprising Astros will try for their 10th straight win and a sweep of Seattle. Houston owns the best record in the AL - it went 70-92 last season after three straight years of at least 106 losses. Roberto Hernandez starts the series finale vs. the visiting Mariners, and a victory would give the Astros their longest winning streak since a 12-game string in 2004.
WEAVING IN A WIN?
Angels ace Jered Weaver (0-3, 5.83 ERA) starts the series finale at San Francisco. He's never begun a season so slowly, and hopes to reverse things vs. the Giants - Weaver is 16-4 with a 2.55 ERA in 29 career interleague games. He'll be opposed by two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum (1-2, 3.27), who knows all about struggling.
A-ROD AIMS
Alex Rodriguez tries to pass Willie Mays for fourth place on the career home run list. A-Rod will have a big stage as he goes for No. 661 - a Sunday night special at Fenway Park featuring the Yankees and Red Sox.
PITCHING IN
St. Louis righty Michael Wacha has won all four of his starts this year. He'll try to extend that streak vs. Pittsburgh.
MORSE MODE
Miami first baseman Michael Morse is expected back in the lineup vs. the Phillies. A key hitter in last year's World Series with San Francisco, he has just three hits in his last 24 at-bats and is batting .202 this season.
BROOM ALERT
The Twins will try to sweep a four-game series from the White Sox at Target Field for the second straight year. Minnesota's Mike Pelfrey is 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in seven career starts against Chicago.
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Giants place pitcher Blake Snell on 15-day injured list with left adductor strain
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts working with Shohei Ohtani on strike zone discipline
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DJ LeMahieu leaves 1st minor league rehab game in 2nd inning with sore right foot
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20 Best pitchers in MLB 2024: Ranking the top 20 starters
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MLB progress report: 1 early flaw with each of baseball's best teams
2024 World Series odds: Dodgers, Braves still at the top; Orioles rising