Key things to watch for in today's games
By the end of the day Sunday, we'll know the All-Star fate of 17 of the game's top stars.
After more than 500 million votes were cast over 65 days, the starters for the 86th All-Star Game will be announced at 7:30 p.m. ET on the Esurance All-Star Starters Selection Show on ESPN, just before the evening's matchup between the Giants and Nationals in Washington.
The All-Star reserves, pitchers and Final Vote candidates will be announced in another selection show on Monday, with the Midsummer Classic set for July 14 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
In addition to Sunday evening's All-Star news, there's also plenty of action on the field for the rest of this holiday weekend. Here are a few matchups to look forward to.
Cole goes for No. 12: CLE @ PIT, 1:35 p.m. ET
Gerrit Cole, one of the hottest pitchers in the Majors this year, gets the start Sunday at PNC Park. Cole enters the day with a National League-best 11 wins and will try for his 12th in his first career appearance against the Indians.
The Pirates righty has allowed two or fewer runs in 13 of his previous 16 starts, while pitching at least six innings each of those 13 games. He allowed a season-high nine hits his last time out, a no decision vs. the Tigers.
Opposing Cole is Danny Salazar, who began his last start by tossing five perfect frames. He finished with two runs allowed (one earned) over 7 2/3 innings in a win over the Rays.
Rays try to snap out of slump vs. Yankees: TB @ NYY, 1:05 p.m. ET
The Yankees will go for the sweep of the struggling Rays on Sunday, riding the momentum of back-to-back walk-off wins. The series finale between the AL East rivals is the last matchup for these clubs until September.
The Rays enter the day on a seven-game losing skid as Erasmo Ramirez takes the mound at Yankee Stadium. He's 6-3 with a 4.01 ERA in 18 appearances (11 starts) in his first year with Tampa Bay.
For New York, Ivan Nova will take the ball against the familiar opponent. He's made more starts against the Rays (13) than any other club, posting a 6-5 record and a 3.59 ERA in that span.
Video: PHI@NYY: Nova returns with 6 2/3 scoreless frames
Hamels, Miller face off in Atlanta: PHI @ ATL, 1:35 p.m. ET
With the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline quickly approaching, rumors of Cole Hamels' future are swirling. The 31-year-old left-hander's time with the Phillies may be waning, but for now, his trade value will be on display Sunday against the Braves at Turner Field.
The Phillies have gotten off to a rough start in July, dropping each of their first four games. They've lost eight of their last nine contests.
Right-hander Shelby Miller will start for Atlanta, coming off his worst outing of 2015. Though he struck out a season-high 10 batters, he also gave up a season-high five runs (four earned) in a loss to the Nationals.