LEADING OFF: Injuries mounting for Astros; Phils vs D-backs
A look at what's happening around the majors today:
INJURIES MOUNTING
The Houston Astros are hoping for good news on All-Star outfielder George Springer, who exited Sunday's loss to the Dodgers after hurting his left thumb on a headfirst slide. It's unclear how long the 2017 World Series MVP might be out. "He was in a lot of pain," manager AJ Hinch said. "He is going to get evaluated. Other than that I have no idea." Before the game, the defending champs put pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow discomfort. And star second baseman Jose Altuve (right knee soreness) was sent back to Houston for further examination. Last year's AL MVP won't come off the DL when eligible this week.
PLAYOFF PREVIEW?
Jake Arrieta (9-6, 3.32 ERA) pitches for the Phillies, looking for their sixth straight victory when they visit Arizona in a matchup of NL division leaders. Zack Godley (12-6, 4.46) goes for the Diamondbacks.
HAMELS' DAY
Cole Hamels makes his second start for the Cubs when they open a three-game series at last-place Kansas City. Hamels was acquired in a July 27 trade with Texas. The veteran lefty had been struggling with the Rangers, but he struck out nine while pitching five effective innings in a 9-2 victory at Pittsburgh in his Chicago debut last Wednesday.
FISH STORY
Will the fading Angels have Mike Trout back in the lineup when they host Detroit? The star outfielder has missed four consecutive games with a nagging right wrist injury. Trout hasn't played since getting hurt while sliding on a steal attempt Wednesday at Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old slugger said Saturday night he still has soreness when he swings and throws. Trout had been expected back earlier, but his wrist hasn't responded to treatment as hoped. X-rays and an MRI revealed inflammation. Trout is batting .309 with 30 home runs.
THE REPLACEMENT
Lance Lynn makes his first start for the Yankees, facing the White Sox in Chicago. The right-hander was acquired from Minnesota last Monday and will take the rotation spot previously held by an inconsistent Sonny Gray, who was demoted to the bullpen. Lynn threw 4 1/3 shutout innings of relief with five strikeouts in his New York debut. The Yankees, coming off a four-game sweep by the rival Red Sox, have lost a season-high five straight and trail Boston by 9 1/2 games in the AL East.
BACK IN GOTHAM
Matt Harvey returns to Citi Field with Cincinnati and is expected to speak with reporters. The former Mets ace, traded to the Reds in May, is not scheduled to pitch in the three-game series. Noah Syndergaard (6-2, 2.98 ERA) gets the ball for New York in the opener against Homer Bailey (1-8, 5.87).
