Lester makes Cy pitch; Tigers look to recover
NL Cy Young Award candidate Jon Lester (18-4, 2.36) can impress voters with a prime-time start against the rival Cardinals. The Cubs' left-hander has never finished higher than fourth in Cy Young balloting and could be in line for his highest career finish thanks to a 1.15 ERA since Aug. 1. Chicago is 11-1 in Lester's starts since the All-Star break.
A look at what's happening all around the majors today:
BELEAGUERED BULLPEN
The Mets hope to get some innings out of rookie Robert Gsellman (2-2, 3.13) as they wrap a four-game series against the Phillies. New York used 16 pitchers during the first two games of the series, then had to pull starter Sean Gilmartin after just two outs and five runs Saturday. Gsellman will be making his sixth career start and has never logged more than six innings, though he has done a commendable job slotting into the depleted New York rotation.
NO-BAT BOMBERS
The Yankees' dormant offense seeks a spark against Toronto after suffering through three consecutive shutouts. New York hasn't scored since Donovan Solano's two-run homer in the ninth inning of Wednesday's win at Tampa Bay, going 0 for 16 with runners in scoring position while stranding 20 over the last three games. Manager Joe Girardi insists effort isn't an issue for the youthful Yanks, who seek a turnaround against Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada (9-9, 3.62).
BIG IN THE BAY AREA
Rangers right-hander Colby Lewis (6-3, 3.40 ERA) seeks his first win in three starts since coming off a two-month stint on the disabled list with a back strain. Lewis, projected the No. 3 playoff starter, has won four straight starts at the Oakland Coliseum since June 2014 and is 7-2 with a 2.65 ERA in 12 outings in Oakland since returning to the U.S. from Japan in 2010.
BOUNCING BACK
A day after a ninth-inning collapse cost Detroit ground in the AL wild-card race, Matt Boyd (6-4, 4.16) tries to give the Tigers a boost against Kansas City. Boyd held Minnesota to a run and three hits over eight innings in his last outing and has been a big key to the Tigers' late-season push for a postseason spot. The Royals send out Edinson Volquez (10-11, 5.25).