A look at what’s happening all around the major leagues Friday:
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WELL DONE, SON
The 2-year-old son of Colorado closer John Axford will throw out the first ball before the Rockies host the Dodgers at Coors Field. Jameson Axford has spent the last two months in and out of hospitals for treatment of rattlesnake bites. The young boy was bitten twice in the right foot in the yard of the Arizona house his family rented for spring training, and remains in a wheelchair while healing. His catcher for the ceremonial toss? Dad, naturally.
RED SOX SHAKEUP
The Red Sox will have someone new overseeing their pitchers as they begin a series at Toronto. Boston fired pitching coach Juan Nieves in the wake of a last-place start and the worst ERA in the AL. General manager Ben Cherington didn’t immediately announce a replacement, but did say another move involving reliever Edward Mujica was expected.
MEET THE MATT
Mets ace Matt Harvey has won all five of his starts this year after missing a season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He’s striking out more than a batter per inning, and brings his heat to Philadelphia.
TEMPER, TEMPER
Yordano Ventura starts the series opener at Detroit, with Royals fans hoping he can control his emotions and his pitches. The 23-year-old ace is coming back from a seven-game suspension imposed for getting into a tiff with the White Sox. In his two starts before that, he got fined for hitting Oakland’s Brett Lawrie with a pitch and jawed with Angels star Mike Trout.
WOBBLY WEAVER
Concern is building in Anaheim as Jered Weaver again aims for his first win this season. A three-time All-Star at 32, he is 0-4 in six starts with a 6.29 ERA, and his fastball is barely reaching 85 mph. Weaver pitches at home vs. the Astros.
GRAY DAY
Sonny Gray (4-0, 1.67 ERA) pitches for Oakland, trying to extend his success in Seattle. He is 3-0 with an 0.98 ERA in four starts at Safeco Field.
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