What to watch for in today's games
Aces take the hill around the league, including for the streaking Astros
Runs could be at an even greater premium throughout the Major Leagues on Monday, as a number of teams will bring their aces to the table.
That group includes big names like the Nationals' Jordan Zimmermann, the Mariners' Felix Hernandez, the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw and the Giants' Madison Bumgarner, all slated to take the mound Monday night.
That group alone would be enough to capture fans' attention on any given day. But it doesn't stop there. Astros lefty Dallas Keuchel is 3-0 with a 0.73 ERA in five starts, and he'll take the mound Monday for Houston, winners of 10 straight.
Also keep an eye on D-backs starter Josh Collmenter, who's put up a 2.76 ERA in five starts, along with strong starters like the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez (3-0, 1.73 ERA), the Rays' Jake Odorizzi (2-2, 2.41), the A's Jesse Hahn (1-1, 2.86), the Rockies' Tyler Matzek (2-0, 2.70) and the Cubs' Travis Wood (2-1, 3.04).
Here's a look at other notable matchups around the Majors.
Close Competition: NYY @ TOR, 7:07 p.m. ET; TB @ BOS, 7:10 p.m. ET
Everyone expected the American League East to be a tight race, and the first month of the season hasn't disappointed. At 12-14, the Blue Jays are currently last in the division, but they'll have a chance to start making up some ground against the first-place Yankees this week.
The Rays and Red Sox, meanwhile, are bunched tightly in the middle of the pack with the Orioles. Both clubs could use some separation as they attempt to catch up with the Yankees. They'll get another shot starting Monday at Fenway Park.
Video: BOS@NYY: Yankees discuss victory vs. Red Sox
Soaring 'Stros: TEX @ HOU, 8:10 p.m. ET
Raise your hand if you expected the Astros to have the best record in the AL at this point of the season. And keep your hand up if you predicted that Keuchel would be the AL's best pitcher through the season's first month.
That's where we stand now, as the Astros are off to their best 25-game start in franchise history and Houston is 5-0 in games started by Keuchel.
They'll look to maintain their momentum against the in-state rival Rangers, who are 0-4 this season behind lefty Ross Detwiler, starting Monday opposite the undefeated Keuchel.
Video: HOU@OAK: Keuchel, Grossman discuss extra-innings win
Central Showdown: CHC @ STL, 8:10 p.m. ET
These two clubs met on Opening Night, and they'll reconvene at Busch Stadium on Monday sitting first (St. Louis) and second (Chicago) in the National League Central.
The Cardinals, 11-2 at home, are coming off a three-game sweep of the Pirates, while the Cubs are attempting to bounce back from two straight losses to the Brewers.