Pro Sports

LEADING OFF: Strasburg scratched, Nats aim to end 7-game rut

Posted June 26, 2016 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Milwaukee Brewers' Jonathan Lucroy is late with the tag on the sliding Washington Nationals' Anthony Rendon during the fourth inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press

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

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WOBBLING WASHINGTON

The NL East-leading Nationals have lost seven in a row and now they've lost their ace for at least another start, too. The team said Stephen Strasburg had been scratched for the series finale in Milwaukee because he felt pain while throwing before Saturday's 6-5 loss. Strasburg (10-0) missed his previously scheduled start because of a strained upper back. Tanner Roark will pitch instead at Miller Park.

TIGERS TRY AGAIN

Detroit is 0-8 against the Indians this season and has been outscored 51-17 in those defeats. The Tigers aim to avoid a three-game sweep by the AL Central leaders at Comerica Park when Justin Verlander starts against Josh Tomlin. Verlander (7-5) has struck out 69 in 65 1/3 innings since May 8 and opponents are hitting .190 off him in that span. Cleveland has won eight in a row overall.

MAGIC NUMBER

Pete Rose will have his No. 14 retired by the Reds before they host San Diego. The 75-year-old Rose is back in his hometown this weekend for ceremonies honoring the Big Red Machine teams of 1975-76. He is the all-time hits leader with 4,256 and played 19 seasons for Cincinnati.

HOME-FIELD FERNANDEZ

Miami ace Jose Fernandez is 23-1 all-time at Marlins Park going into his first-ever start vs. the Cubs. On Saturday, he was nicked in his pitching hand by a foul ball in the dugout, but was OK and even asked if he could pinch-hit late in the game. The Cubs have the best record in the majors despite losing five of their last six.

REYES RETURNS

Jose Reyes debuts for the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones in the New York-Penn League, a day after signing a minor league contract with his old team, the New York Mets. Reyes became a free agent Saturday after being released by the Rockies following his 59-day suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez stands on the mound as Detroit Tigers right fielder Mike Aviles catches the fly-out hit by Cleveland Indians' Jose Ramirez during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) The Associated Press

Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) and center fielder Rajai Davis greet each other after their 6-0 win over the Detroit Tigers in a baseball game, Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) The Associated Press

Former Cincinnati Reds player and manager Pete Rose participates in a ceremonial first at-bat during a ceremony to induct him into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

Former Cincinnati Reds player and manager Pete Rose speaks during a ceremony as he is inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

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