LEADING OFF: Sabathia goes for 3,000 Ks, Yelich hobbled
A look at what's happening around the majors today:
MISTER 3,000
CC Sabathia (1-0, 2.40 ERA) needs three strikeouts for 3,000 when the New York Yankees visit Arizona. The 38-year-old veteran, who plans to retire after this season, is trying to join Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton as the only left-handers to reach the milestone. Sabathia would become the 17th member of the club and first to enter since John Smoltz in 2008. With 13 players on the injured list, the depleted Yankees (17-11) have still managed to win three straight and 11 of 13. But in Arizona, they will be facing a team that currently has a winning record for only the second series this season. New York was swept by Houston in three games from April 8-10.
INJURY WATCH
Some of the game's top stars have hobbled into the work week. NL MVP Christian Yelich sat out Monday, a day after the Brewers right fielder left a game with lower back soreness. Mets second baseman Robinson Canó has a swollen hand after being hit by a pitch, but X-rays and an MRI were negative. Padres rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. was held out Monday with a hamstring injury. He was hurt during an awkward-looking split stretching for a throw at second base Sunday. All three are considered day to day.
SINKING SHIP
Looking to snap an eight-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Pirates open an interleague series at Texas. Jordan Lyles (2-1, 2.05 ERA) starts against a Rangers team that has scored 29 runs over its past two games.
ALL HEALED
Twins third baseman Miguel Sano will begin an injury rehab assignment with Class A Fort Myers after recovering from a right heel laceration. Sano missed all of spring training and the start of the season after cutting his right foot falling down metal steps celebrating a winter league championship in the Dominican Republic. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said Sano will start with partial games at Fort Myers and build himself up. Sano is expected to make stops in Double-A and Triple-A during a lengthy assignment.
