LEADING OFF: Hamels returns to Wrigley; Red Sox go for sweep
A look at what's happening all around the majors today:
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WRIGLEY MEMORIES
Cole Hamels (9-2, 3.21 ERA) makes his first start at Wrigley Field since pitching a no-hitter with 13 strikeouts against the Cubs last July 25. It was his final start for the Phillies, who traded him to Texas six days later. In the All-Star Game on Tuesday in his San Diego hometown, Hamels retired three Cubs during a scoreless inning - including Kris Bryant's inning-ending strikeout with two runners in scoring position. The struggling Rangers will try to avoid a three-game sweep when they face Chicago righty John Lackey.
STAY RIGHT HERE
Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47 ERA) makes his second consecutive start in San Diego, hoping for a better result this time when he pitches for the Giants against the Padres. Cueto was the starter and loser for the National League in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Petco Park, where he gave up three runs on two homers in 1 2/3 innings. San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said Cueto was still feeling a little under the weather Saturday but will be OK to pitch Sunday. Edwin Jackson will be promoted from Triple-A to start for San Diego. His last major league start was for the Chicago Cubs in 2014.
PRICE'S PUNCHOUTS
Looking to extend its longest winning streak of the season to seven, Boston goes for a three-game sweep at Yankee Stadium. David Price (9-6, 4.34 ERA) rolls into his prime-time start coming off three straight 10-strikeout games, including eight dominant innings during a 4-0 win over Tampa Bay in his most recent outing. Price leads the AL with 140 strikeouts, most by a Red Sox lefty before the All-Star break. Masahiro Tanaka (6-2, 3.23) pitches for New York.
NEED YOU NOW
The scuffling Mets hope to have All-Star slugger Yoenis Cespedes back in the lineup for their series finale in Philadelphia. New York has dropped four of five since Cespedes strained his right quadriceps on July 8. Mets manager Terry Collins said the outfielder will undergo testing Sunday to determine if he is able to play.
POWER OUTAGE
Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips is trying to emerge from the longest stretch without a homer in his career. Since Phillips hit his sixth homer on May 7, he's gone 56 games and 222 at-bats without another. Phillips hit 12 homers last season. He's twice blocked attempts to trade him to other teams.
MIGHTY MAX
Washington goes for its sixth straight win and a three-game sweep of visiting Pittsburgh when Max Scherzer (10-6, 3.03 ERA) makes his first start since appearing in the All-Star Game. Scherzer threw a no-hitter - and nearly a perfect game - against the Pirates on June 20, 2015.
YOUNG AND CONSISTENT
Tigers rookie Michael Fulmer (9-2) tries for his 10th consecutive start allowing one earned run or fewer when Detroit hosts Kansas City. Royals starter Yordano Ventura (6-7) is 6-0 with a 3.27 ERA in his career against the Tigers.