LEADING OFF: Nationals take a look at K-Rod, Yankees ailing

By AP
Published

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:

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CAN HE HELP?

The NL East-leading Washington Nationals were angling to add Francisco Rodriguez to their biggest trouble spot - the bullpen. The Nats have seen a lot of late leads get away this season and hope the 35-year-old reliever can boost them. K-Rod is fourth on the career saves list with 437, but was released by Detroit last week after posting a 7.82 ERA in 25 1/3 innings.

AILING

The Yankees will see how second baseman Starlin Castro and designated hitter Matt Holliday feel after a tough start to the week. Castro left Monday night's game in Chicago against the White Sox after straining his right hamstring. He had just returned to the lineup after getting a shot in his wrist. Holliday didn't start for the second straight game because he's feeling fatigued, and doctors are checking him.

FRANCONA FEELING ILL

The Indians are hoping for good news on manager Terry Francona, who left a game Monday night after experiencing similar symptoms as when he was hospitalized during a game June 14. Cleveland said Francona was evaluated by the team's medical staff and checked out fine, but wouldn't confirm if the skipper had gone to the hospital. The 57-year-old Francona missed a game last season in August after experiencing chest pains.

PRIZE FIGHT

The past two NL Cy Young Award winners square off when Nationals ace Max Scherzer takes on Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta. Scherzer (8-5, 2.09) earned the prize last year and is a leading contender again this season. He most recently pitched two-hit ball over eight innings against Miami, but lost a 2-1 game on a pair of unearned runs. Arrieta (7-5, 4.36) took the Cy Young in 2015 and finished ninth in last season's voting, but he's struggled this year to keep the ball in the park. His 13 homers allowed are already more than he gave up in 2015 (10) and approaching his total from last season (16).

BACK

Twins lefty Hector Santiago (4-6, 5.26 ERA) will come off the disabled list to start vs. Boston at Fenway Park. He's been out since June 7 with a strained left shoulder.

EARLY RETURNS

Braves rookie Sean Newcomb seeks his first major league victory in a game at San Diego. Newcomb, a potentially key piece in Atlanta's ongoing rebuild, is 0-2 despite a 1.96 ERA through three starts, and he's gone at least six innings in each of them. Newcomb was the top prospect Atlanta received from the Angels while trading shortstop Andrelton Simmons in 2015.