LEADING OFF: Marlins back in action, Ohtani on the shelf

Updated Aug. 4, 2020 2:17 a.m. ET

Associated Press

A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

___

FRESH FISH

The Miami Marlins are set to , in Baltimore following an outbreak that left 21 members of their traveling party infected with the coronavirus, including 18 players. The team has not played since July 26. Miami is replacing sidelined players with prospects, along with veterans the organization scrambled to acquire. Manager Don Mattingly said he has never spoken with some of the players joining the team.

Right-hander Pablo Lopez will start against the Orioles. The pitching staff was especially hard hit by the outbreak and will rely heavily on newcomers.

NO SHO

Angels star Shohei Ohtani will be shut down from throwing for four to six weeks with a , near his surgically repaired elbow. With only about eight weeks left in the season, Ohtani might not pitch again until 2021.

Ohtani reported discomfort in his arm Sunday after struggling through his second start since having Tommy John surgery in 2018. The two-way sensation is traveling with the team to Seattle and is day-to-day as a hitter.

MISSING MOOKIE

The Dodgers could be without Mookie Betts for a second straight game as they continue a series in San Diego. Betts sat out Monday with swelling on a finger on his left hand that manager Dave Roberts described as substantial. Betts was potentially available to defend Monday, but not to hit.

The 2018 AL MVP with Boston, he has been a spark plug on offense and defense for the Dodgers, who obtained him in an offseason trade and signed him to a $365 million, 12-year deal.

BETTER BELIEB IT

Cleveland’s Shane Bieber has 27 strikeouts through two starts, matching a big league record, and he’ll face Cincinnati in his third start of the year. Bieber tied the mark set by Karl Spooner of the Brooklyn Dodgers in September 1954, fanning 13 Twins last Thursday after punching out 14 Royals on opening day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Kansas City right-hander Brady Singer makes his third major league start on his 24th birthday at Wrigley Field. Singer, who was selected by the Royals in the first round of the 2018 amateur draft, is still looking for his first big league win after pitching well in a pair of no-decisions this year.

“He’s very professional on how he prepares, and the stuff is, it’s obvious that it’s going to play here,” manager Mike Matheny said. “He just needs to continue to work.”

Kyle Hendricks gets the ball for the Chicago Cubs.

WELCOME TO THE ROTATION

Oakland left-hander Jesus Luzardo will make his long-awaited first turn in the A’s rotation when they open up a three-game series against Texas. Just shy of his 23rd birthday, Luzardo will be the youngest starter for the A’s since Brett Anderson in 2010. Luzardo made six appearances as a September callup last season and made two appearances out of the bullpen this season.

___

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports