Key things to watch for in today's games
If the last two days of exchanging one-run victories have served as any indication, the Royals and Blue Jays would make for a great series in October.
On Sunday, the two teams will meet at Rogers Centre for the series finale of this four-game set -- and for the last time during the regular season. Each team has already begun to benefit from their major additions at the non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Toronto will send knuckleballer R.A. Dickey to the mound on three days' rest, so that newly acquired left-hander David Price can make his Blue Jays debut Monday afternoon vs. Minnesota. Dickey owns a 1.53 ERA in his last four starts.
Kansas City counters with right-hander Edinson Volquez, who has been one of its most consistent starters all season. He owns a 3.21 ERA and is coming off a quality start in his last outing against the Indians.
Here are a few other matchups and games to look forward to on Sunday.
Home is where the wins are: SD @ MIA, 1:10 p.m. ET
Jose Fernandez, who just turned 23 Friday, improved to 15-0 in his career at home during his last start, and will try to make history Sunday.
Since 1900, only Johnny Allen (1932-33) and LaMarr Hoyt (1980-82), who each won 16, have started their careers winning more consecutive home decisions than Fernandez, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The Padres will try to break that streak. They surprised most throughout baseball with their inactivity before the Trade Deadline, deciding not to trade players like right-hander James Shields, who will take the mound for San Diego. Shields is coming off a solid start against the Mets, where he allowed three runs on seven hits in seven innings.
Video: WSH@MIA: Fernandez holds Nats to one run over six
Freeway finale: LAA @ LAD 4:10 p.m. ET
Mat Latos is set to make his Dodgers debut as he looks to lead his new team to a sweep over the Angels in this interleague series finale.
Latos, who was acquired from Miami three days ago, has a 2.96 ERA and has limited the opposition to a .198 average since returning from the disabled list (left knee inflammation) on June 13.
The Angels must be thrilled to face someone other than Zack Greinke or Clayton Kershaw, against whom they did not have much luck during first two games of the series. They will send Cory Rasmus to the mound as a spot starter in place of the injured C.J. Wilson, who could miss the rest of the season.
NL East showdown: WAS @ NYM, 8:08 p.m. ET
The Mets added a difference-maker in the middle of their lineup when they acquired outfielder Yoenis Cespedes before the Trade Deadline, and immediately slotted him in the No.3 spot in their lineup and in left field.
Right-hander Noah Syndergaard takes the mound for the Mets, and has emerged as one of the National League's elite rookies. He is coming off arguably the best start in his young career, when he limited San Diego on to three hits in eight shutout innings and struck out nine on July 28.
Washington will counter with starter Jordan Zimmermann, who owns a 2.62 ERA in his past seven starts.