LEADERS: Dodgers-Padres in Mexico, Kingham launches again
LEADING OFF: Dodgers-Padres in Mexico, Kingham launches again
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A look at what is happening around the majors on Friday:
MEXICAN FLAVOR
Major Leagues return to Mexico in the regular season for the first time in nearly two decades when the Los Angeles and San Diego Dodgers play a three-game series in Monterrey. It will be a showdown of promising rookies when Joey Lucchesi starts for the Padres against Walker Buehler at the Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey.
The previous visit was the opening day in 1999 when Mexican native Vinny Castilla helped Colorado lead the Padres. The first trip was in 1996, with the Mexican star Fernando Valenzuela leading San Diego on the Mets to start a series of three games.
ENCORE, ENCORE
Pirates rookie Nick Kingham makes his second professional start. His first one was pretty good: in his major league debut last weekend, he took a perfect game in the seventh inning against San Luis before it broke. The 26-year-old right-hander pitches against the Brewers at Miller Park.
LOOKING WELL
The Atlanta Braves – the Atlanta Braves leading the Eastern Division of the National League – return to SunTrust Park to host San Francisco. Powered by Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies and Mike Soroka, the three youngest players in the majors, Atlanta has won five in a row.
This is the last of a season in which the Braves take first place since July 20. 2014. Mike Foltynewicz starts against the Giants.
WELCOME BACK
Kris Medlen is ready to start in Arizona in the Minute Maid Park against the Astros. The 32-year-old right-hander pitched for the last time in the majors in 2016 with Kansas City. He has been beset by injuries, including a couple of Tommy John surgeries, since he arrived with Atlanta in 2009. Gerrit Cole (2-1, 1.73 ERA) starts for Houston. Cole set the AL record for strikeouts in April with 61.
MISSING MIGGY
The return of Tigres slugger Miguel Cabrera was short. After missing three games with spasms in the biceps, he made an early start on Thursday due to a hamstring strain. It will prove it before Detroit returns to play in Kansas City.