LEADING OFF: Arrieta chases Vander Meer, Maeda vs Ichiro?

Posted April 27, 2016 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

FILE - In this March 29, 2016, file photo, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta throws against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game in Mesa, Ariz. Arrieta says it is "flattering" that "some of the best players in the game" are spreading rumors that Arrieta is using performance-enhancing drugs. The National League Cy Young Award winner and Chicago Cubs ace didn't name names Tuesday, April 26, but said his teammates have heard rumors from other players that the right-hander has used PEDs to fuel his emergence with the Cubs. As manager Joe Maddon says, "we've all become suspicious" in baseball. (AP Photo/Matt York, File) The Associated Press

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

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JAKE CHASES JOHNNY

Jake Arrieta (4-0, 0.87 ERA) had to wait a day for his chance to match Johnny Vander Meer. The Cubs ace had his start Wednesday rained out, and so he'll pitch in the series finale against the Brewers instead. Arrieta is coming off a no-hitter against Cincinnati last week, and Vander Meer is the only pitcher to throw no-hitters in consecutive starts, beating the Boston Braves and Brooklyn for Cincinnati in June 1938.

MAEDA VS MARLINS

Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda (3-0, 0.36) tries to keep up his outstanding start in the majors, and he may even get to face countryman Ichiro Suzuki. The Dodgers have gotten four stellar outings out of Maeda, who signed a $25 million, eight year deal in the offseason that could be worth $106.2 million if he stays healthy. Ace Jose Fernandez (1-2, 4.37) pitches for Miami.

ROARK BACK AT IT

Nationals right-hander Tanner Roark (2-0, 2.63) makes his first start since striking out a career-high 15 batters in a 2-0 win over the Twins. He opposes young right-hander Aaron Nola (1-2, 4.50) and the Phillies.

SHAKE IT OFF

Cardinals right-hander Michael Wacha is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in three starts after getting tagged for five runs in 4 1/3 innings in his first start this season. Last time out, he held San Diego to two runs over six innings but also walked four without a strikeout.

FROM DIRTY BIRD TO MUD HEN

Tigers outfielder Tyler Collins is headed back to Triple-A Toledo, days after cameras caught him making an obscene gesture at booing home fans. Manager Brad Ausmus said Collins' demotion was unrelated to the incident, for which Collins apologized and said he was "embarrassed."

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki, left, of Japan talks with Los Angeles Dodgers' Kenta Maeda, of Japan, prior to a baseball game in Los Angeles, Monday, April 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo) The Associated Press

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Tanner Roark throws during the third inning of an interleague baseball game against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 23, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The Associated Press

Detroit Tigers center fielder Tyler Collins catches a fly ball hit by Oakland Athletics' Chris Coghlan during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 25, 2016 in Detroit. Collins directed an obscene gesture at fans after he lost a ball in the lights on a previous play in the inning which allowed the first run Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has given up this season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) The Associated Press

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