Key things to watch for in today's games
With the non-waiver Trade Deadline looming at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, there's always the possibility for excitement coming off the field at any moment. Fifteen games on Wednesday guarantees some excitement on it, as well.
Here are five things to watch for:
• Tulo in Toronto: PHI@TOR, 7:07 p.m. ET
One of the premier players in the game has a new home, and the Toronto faithful could have its first opportunity to welcome Troy Tulowitzki to the American League, when he and the Blue Jays take on the Phillies in the finale of the two-game set. R.A. Dickey starts for Toronto, and Jerome Williams is on the hill for Philly.
• Verlander improving: DET@TB, 12:10 p.m.
Former AL MVP Justin Verlander is working his way back from injury. The right-hander still has a winless streak of seven games, but he was much better in his last no-decision against the Red Sox, when he threw eight innings of one-run ball. Chris Archer, too, has been sputtering a bit: He's 0-2 with a 4.21 ERA in July.
• Kershaw streaking: OAK@LAD, 10:10 p.m.
Clayton Kershaw has rebounded from a relatively slow start (by his standards) with a superb summer, and the Dodgers' ace is now working on a scoreless-innings streak of 29. He'll be up against the A's and Jesse Chavez, who is starting Wednesday in place of Drew Pomeranz, who was pressed into service on Sunday.
• Colon seeks elusive W: SD@NYM, 7:10 p.m.
Bartolo Colon is searching for his first win since June 12, but he's on the right track with quality starts in two of his past three starts. Padres right-hander Tyson Ross has also looked strong lately, going 16 starts without allowing a home run -- a franchise record.
• Lester finding his groove: COL@CHC, 2:20 p.m.
Cubs ace Jon Lester has been heating up in the dog days of summer, posting a quality start in four of his past five outings while allowing a combined six earned runs in that span. Rockies right-hander Eddie Butler has found some stability, too, but he's 2-3 with a 3.89 ERA in seven road starts this year.