LEADING OFF: Cubs-Brewers meet in NL Central showdown

A look at what’s happening around Major League Baseball on Thursday:

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NL CENTRAL SHOWDOWN

If the surprising Brewers are going to catch Chicago in the NL Central, this is probably the best chance they have left to make a big move. Still within striking distance, Milwaukee begins a four-game series at home against the Cubs that features a terrific pitching matchup in the opener. Zach Davies (17-9, 3.89 ERA) starts for the Brewers, looking to earn his major league-high 18th win. He is scheduled to face 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta (14-9, 3.48), expected back from a strained right hamstring that’s sidelined him since Sept. 4. Arrieta was 4-1 with a 1.21 ERA over six starts in August. Milwaukee is also in a tight race with Colorado for the second NL wild card. Nearly two weeks ago, the Brewers outscored the defending World Series champion Cubs 20-3 in a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field. Davies won the series finale 3-1.

HOLDING ON

The Twins try to cling to their slim lead in the race for the second AL wild card when they open a four-game series at Detroit. After getting swept at Yankee Stadium, Minnesota sends rookie left-hander Adalberto Mejia (4-6, 4.62 ERA) to the mound against Jordan Zimmermann. The Twins have 10 games left in the regular season, seven against the skidding Tigers.

ROCKIES RE-DO

Colorado lefty Tyler Anderson (5-5, 5.28 ERA) faces the Padres for the second straight start after getting the win in a 16-0 romp last weekend at Coors Field. He is 2-0 over 10 scoreless innings since returning from the 60-day disabled list following knee surgery. The Rockies open a set at San Diego, looking to stop a three-game slide and hang on down the stretch for the second NL wild card.

TUNING UP

Dallas Keuchel loosens up for the playoffs when he starts for the AL West champion Astros vs. the visiting White Sox. The left-hander is 4-4 since missing almost two months because of neck trouble. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner was 9-0 when he first went on the disabled list. He’s been inconsistent since his return, but threw six strong innings against Seattle in his last start.

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