Pro Sports

LEADING OFF: Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium, Astros surge

Posted June 17, 2018 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

New York Yankees' Gary Sanchez watches his solo home run as he runs up the first baseline during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, June 16, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) The Associated Press

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

BRONX TALES

Old-Timers' Day is always a special occasion at Yankee Stadium, and this year's festivities are set to feature Hall of Famers Whitey Ford and Reggie Jackson, along with first-timers Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi and current Yankees manager Aaron Boone. The fun begins before New York takes on Tampa Bay. The Yankees are the only team in the majors that regularly holds these events, and this marks the 72nd annual Old-Timers' Day in the Bronx - Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were among those in attendance at the very first one on Sept. 28, 1947, two days before the Yankees hosted the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series opener.

ASCENDING ASTROS

Houston has won 10 in a row overall, and the World Series champions aim to finish off a 10-0 road trip when Lance McCullers Jr. starts against the Royals. Coincidentally, the Astros had an 11-game winning streak end in Kansas City last year.

OUCH!

The Indians expect to know more about Carlos Carrasco, a day after the right-hander was struck in his pitching arm by a line drive from Minnesota's Joe Mauer. The team announced Carrasco was diagnosed with a forearm contusion; manager Terry Francona said the pitcher was struck on the elbow.

OH THOSE O'S

The Orioles try to avoid a team-record 12th straight home loss when they face Miami. Baltimore has the worst record in the majors at 19-50, including nine losses in a row overall. Dylan Bundy (4-7) starts for the O's against rookie Trevor Richards, who earned his first big league win on Tuesday against San Francisco.

HARDLY HARPER

Bryce Harper's batting average has dropped to .221 after he went 0 for 4 and struck out twice Saturday at Toronto. The former MVP still leads the National League with 19 home runs.

"What I think I'd like for him to do is maybe not swing so much," Washington manager Dave Martinez said. "He's been swinging a lot, and I really think now is the time to take less swings and just go play."

REMEMBER ME?

Yovani Gallardo, who has pitched for three different major league teams since leaving his hometown Rangers after the 2015 season, is expected to start for Texas at home against Colorado. The 32-year-old righty has been at Triple-A since signing a minor league deal in April after being designated for assignment by Cincinnati.

LOOKING GOOD

Cardinals rookie Jack Flaherty (3-2, 2.96 ERA) gets the Sunday night start at Busch Stadium. The 22-year-old righty opposes Jose Quintana (6-4, 4.10) and the Cubs.

Houston Astros designated hitter Evan Gattis (11) celebrates his grand slam with teammates during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) The Associated Press

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco waits on the mound after being hit by a ball on the arm as a trainer takes a look in the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Saturday, June 16, 2018, in Cleveland. Carrasco left the game after the hit. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) The Associated Press

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado cannot handle a ball hit for a single by Miami Marlins' Yadiel Rivera during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 16, 2018, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) The Associated Press

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper (34) reacts after he struck out looking during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto on Saturday, June 16, 2018. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Baseball Content Providers MLB Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.