LEADING OFF: Pineda back in Seattle, surging Twins at Fenway
Jun 1, 2015, 12:30 AM
New York Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda (35) delivers against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, May 27, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
A look at what’s happening all around the major leagues today:
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KING AND HIS PRINCE
Michael Pineda makes his first start in Seattle since the Mariners traded him to the Yankees for catcher Jesus Montero before the 2012 season. Pineda faces Felix Hernandez (8-1) — they were both All-Stars a year before deal. “It’s going to be a great game. He’s good. I want to win it,” Pineda said.
MINNESOTA’S MONTH
The Twins vaulted into the AL Central lead by going 20-7 in May. “I think maybe we’re going to change tomorrow to May 32nd and see what happens,” first-year manager Paul Molitor said. Minnesota, which has averaged 96 losses during the previous four seasons, opens a four-game set at Fenway Park with Mike Pelfrey pitching against Red Sox righty Clay Buchholz.
ROCKING IT
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw pitches the series opener at Coors Field. He is 7-0 in his last starts against the Rockies.
STANLEY CUB
Joe Maddon, who managed the Rays for nine years before moving to the Cubs this season, isn’t taking sides on the upcoming Stanley Cup final between Tampa Bay and Chicago. “May the best team win,” he said. “I’m becoming a Blackhawks fan, as I should be. I do have some roots back there in Tampa Bay. I know coach (Jon) Cooper really well. He is a really good guy. I have not met (Joel) Quenneville yet. But I’m really excited about watching the whole thing.”
O VS. THE O’S
Astros lefty Brett Oberholtzer comes off the 15-day disabled list to start vs. visiting Baltimore. He’s pitched only once this season for the AL West leaders, and has been out because of a blister on his left index finger. He is 2-0 with an 0.64 ERA in two career starts against the Orioles.
HIT THE ROAD
Maybe the road will be kinder for the Brewers, who have the worst home record in the majors at 9-20. Milwaukee begins a nine-game, three-city trip in St. Louis, and expects All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy back in the lineup. He’s been out for more than five weeks because of a broken toe.
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