What to watch for in today's games
Action continues around Major League Baseball today as new series open and Friday's non-waiver Trade Deadline nears.
The best team in baseball hosts one of the most-talked-about sellers, baseball's hottest team remains on the shores of McCovey Cove and the Yankees travel to Texas.
Here are four games to watch:
Lynn, Cardinals host Reds, CIN @ STL, 8:15 p.m. ET
Right-hander Lance Lynn has been one of the Cardinals' most effective starters this season, allowing two runs or fewer in eight of his last nine starts. He'll face the Reds for the first time this season, a team he's 6-3 against with a 3.73 in 14 career games (11 starts).
The Reds, who have already traded Johnny Cueto and who reportedly have numerous players available -- including outfielder Jay Bruce and closer Aroldis Chapman -- counter with righty Raisel Iglesias (1-2, 5.45 ERA), who is making his seventh career start.
Giants host Brewers, MIL @ SF, 10:15 p.m. ET
The Giants have been one of baseball's hottest teams since mid-July, taking advantage of a soft schedule and winning their last four series against the Phillies, D-backs, Padres and A's. Their easy schedule continues this week with the last-place Brewers coming to town.
Right-hander Chris Heston (10-5, 3.18 ERA) gets the ball for the Giants in the opener as he looks to make his sixth straight quality start, while righty Kyle Lohse -- who has been rumored to be on the trade block -- starts for the Brewers.
Rays, Tigers battle for Wild Card, DET @ TB, 7:10 p.m. ET
The Rays and Tigers open a three-game series today with both teams a few games behind the second American League Wild Card spot. The Rays reportedly will look to add a few pieces, and there's been speculation that the Tigers could become sellers for the first time in nearly a decade. This series is important for both.
Right-hander Anibal Sanchez starts for the Tigers, and the Rays send righty Nathan Karns to the mound.
First-place Yanks visit Lone Star State, NYY @ TEX, 8:05 p.m. ET
The Rangers have been playing better as of late but still sit in third place in the AL West and a few games back of the Wild Card, so this series will help decide what type of piece Texas might look to add in the coming days.
New York sends right-hander Ivan Nova to the mound, and Texas' Matt Harrison makes his third start since returning from back surgery.