LEADING OFF: Verlander, Latos return to mound; Altuve ailing

By foxsports
Published

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

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WELCOME BACK

Tigers star right-hander Justin Verlander, sidelined since the beginning of the season with a right triceps strain, is scheduled to make his 2015 debut against the Cleveland Indians in Detroit. Verlander was the AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner in 2011.

FINGERS CROSSED

The Houston Astros hope for good news on All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, who left Friday night's game against Seattle with discomfort in his right hamstring.

NEED YOU NOW

Marlins right-hander Mat Latos, sidelined since May 21 with left knee inflammation, is scheduled to start against Rockies right-hander David Hale. Latos is 1-4 with a 6.12 ERA, and the Marlins' injury-plagued rotation is a combined 17-23. Jarred Cosart, Henderson Alvarez and ace Jose Fernandez are all expected to return from injuries in the next month. ''We've got to get the pitching right, myself included,'' Latos said. ''We have guys who can do it.''

PERFECT 10

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole (9-2, 1.73 ERA) tries to become the first 10-game winner in the majors when he faces Sean O'Sullivan (1-4, 4.96) and the Philadelphia Phillies.

CC 212

Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia goes up against the Baltimore Orioles looking for his 212th career win, which would be good for sole possession of 23rd place among lefties. Sabathia (3-7, 5.25 ERA) is 18-7 lifetime against the Orioles, who will start right-hander Bud Norris.

STRIKEOUT MACHINE

Rays right-hander Chris Archer, set to pitch against the Chicago White Sox, is coming off a three-start stretch in which he struck out 38 and walked none. He was 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA during the run. Archer (7-4) will face right-hander Jeff Samardzija (4-4).