LEADING OFF: Blue Jays-Indians open ALCS, Cubs eye Hendricks
A look at what's happening all around the majors Friday:
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OPEN UP
Edwin Encarnacion and the slugging Blue Jays visit Cleveland for Game 1 of the AL Championship series, with Corey Kluber starting for the Indians against Marco Estrada. Jose Bautista and wild-card Toronto hit eight home runs in their three-game sweep of Texas in the AL Division Series. Kluber was magnificent in his postseason debut, pitching three-hit ball for seven shutout innings as Cleveland swept Boston.
ROTATING
Cubs lefty Jon Lester is all set to start the NL Championship Series opener on Saturday night at Wrigley Field. The rest of Chicago's depends on the health of Kyle Hendricks. The righty exited in the NLDS vs. the Giants after being hit in the forearm by a comebacker. Hendricks threw a bullpen session Thursday and the Cubs are waiting to see how the major league ERA leader feels before confirming him for Game 2.
FEELING BETTER
Blue Jays reliever Francisco Liriano has recovered from the concussion he received when he was struck on the back of the head by Carlos Gomez in the ALDS. The lefty is expected to be cleared in time for Game 1 vs. Cleveland.
TALK TIME
The Giants want Madison Bumgarner to stick around. Two days after San Francisco lost to the Cubs in the NL Division Series, general manager Bobby Evans spoke with Bumgarner and told the ace's reps the team is ready to begin talks on a new contract. The lefty signed a $35.56 million, six-year deal through 2017 that includes $12 million club options for 2018 and 2019.
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Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog, who led Cardinals to 3 pennants, dies at 92
Carl Erskine, Dodgers legend and last surviving member of 'Boys of Summer,' dies at 97
Jack Leiter, son of Al, to make major-league debut for Rangers Thursday
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Braves put Ozzie Albies on injured list with broken right big toe
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Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog, who led Cardinals to 3 pennants, dies at 92
Carl Erskine, Dodgers legend and last surviving member of 'Boys of Summer,' dies at 97
Jack Leiter, son of Al, to make major-league debut for Rangers Thursday
-
2024 MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers No. 1? Cubs top 10?
Braves put Ozzie Albies on injured list with broken right big toe
2024 MLB odds: Evan Carter, Colton Cowser new favorites for AL ROY
-
Why Braves might still be NL's best without Spencer Strider
20 Best pitchers in MLB 2024: Ranking the top 20 starters