Greinke set to return against Mets on MLB.TV
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Zack Greinke is set to return from the disabled list and make his first start in over a month when he takes the mound for the D-backs tonight against the Mets, who are trying to keep pace in the postseason race.
Today's full slate of Major League games also features starts from White Sox ace Chris Sale and Nationals ace Max Scherzer, plus the opener of a three-game set between the Red Sox and Yankees -- the final series at Fenway Park involving Alex Rodriguez.
And the best place to watch all the action is on MLB.TV.
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Here's what to watch for today in the Majors (all times ET):
Greinke's return: ARI@NYM, 7:10 p.m.
Greinke is scheduled to come off the disabled list and start for Arizona in his first big league appearance since June 28. Greinke, who missed an extended period with a left oblique strain, had a 1.63 ERA over his last six starts prior to his injury. After allowing five runs in a rehab start for Triple-A Reno on Wednesday, the three-time All-Star declared his oblique "100 percent."
That's not a good sign for a Mets club that ranks last in MLB in runs per game since May 1, playing large chunks of that time without David Wright, Lucas Duda and Yoenis Céspedes. To combat Greinke, the Mets will need a strong outing from left-hander Steven Matz, who gave up six runs in six innings in his last outing against the Yankees.
Stat that matters: The newest member of the Mets, outfielder Jay Bruce, is 6-for-35 (.171) lifetime against Greinke with one home run.
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Scherzer goes for Nats: CLE@WSH, 7:05 p.m.
Scherzer toes the rubber for the Nationals in a matchup of first-place clubs as the Indians visit for a two-game Interleague series. These teams split a pair of games in Cleveland two weeks ago. Bryce Harper is expected back in the lineup for the Nats after missing Sunday's game because of a stiff neck that he said has bothered him for several days.
Scherzer has been one of the National League's best pitchers over the past two months, posting a 1.84 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings since June 1. He's pitched at least six innings in every start since May 11 and went at least seven innings in each of his past five outings.
Trevor Bauer starts for the Indians. He's looking to turn things around after allowing 22 earned runs in 23 2/3 innings over his past five starts.
Stat that matters: Scherzer has 198 strikeouts this season, tied with Miami's José Fernández for the most in MLB.
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A-Rod's final series in Boston: NYY@BOS, 7:10 p.m.
The Yankees and Red Sox meet for three rivalry games this week, a series that will mark the last time that Rodriguez plays for the Yanks at Fenway Park. Rodriguez announced his retirement Sunday, with his final game coming Friday at Yankee Stadium.
"He's played a long time. It comes to an end for all of us at some point," Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia said. "All I know is that it was never fun when he comes up. He can do some damage."
Rodriguez isn't the only Yankees star whose career is nearing an end, as teammate Mark Teixeira will be making his first road trip since announcing he will retire at the end of the season.
Luis Severino comes out of the bullpen to start for the Yankees for the first time since May 13. The Red Sox will counter with Rick Porcello, who had won six straight starts before losing his last outing against ther Mariners.
Stat that matters: Rodriguez owns a .287 average with 29 homers, 22 doubles and 88 RBIs in 131 career regular-season games at Fenway Park.
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Sale seeks 15th win: CWS@KC, 8:15 p.m.
Sale is still in seach of an elusive 15th win and he will go for that mark again tonight in his fifth start since earning his 14th win of the season on July 2. Sale is 0-3 with one no-decision over his past four starts, including his fourth complete game of the season in his last outing against the Tigers.
Edinson Vólquez gets the ball for the Royals in the series opener. He was charged with eight runs (seven earned) in five innings in his last start after going 1-2 with a 4.35 ERA over five starts in July. Volquez had a no-decision in his lone start against the White Sox this season, and he has a career mark of 2-3 with a 2.89 ERA in seven starts against the South Siders.
Stat that matters: Sale is 8-9 with a 3.04 ERA in his career against the Royals.
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