A look at what’s happening around the majors Saturday:
PHILLY SPECIAL
Odubel Herrera has homered in five straight games, tying a Philadelphia record. Chase Utley (twice in 2008), Bobby Abreu (2005), Mike Schmidt (1979) and Dick Allen (1969) also connected five in row for the Phillies. Ken Griffey, Jr. (1993), Don Mattingly (1987) and Dale Long (1956) share the major league record with homers in eight consecutive games.
Herrera now takes aim against rookie right-hander Erick Fedde (0-2, 5.63 ERA) at Nationals Park.
CITI SURPRISE
Clayton Kershaw is set to make an unexpected return from the disabled list, starting for the Dodgers in a marquee matchup against Mets ace Jacob deGrom. Kershaw has been sidelined since June 1 with a lower back strain. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MVP originally was scheduled to make a rehab start Saturday with Triple-A Oklahoma City at Omaha, but heavy rain in the forecast caused the Dodgers to change plans. There’s rain forecast at Citi Field, too, but LA manager Dave Roberts said the team took that into account and will have rookie lefty Caleb Ferguson (0-1, 7.59 ERA) ready in reserve.
ROUGH ROAD
The Mariners have lost a season-worst five in a row, including an 0-4 start to their East Coast trip. After getting swept at Yankee Stadium this week, they blew a 10-5 lead and dropped the series opener at Fenway Park 14-10. Mike Leake (7-4, 4.47 ERA) starts next for Seattle, having lost last weekend to Boston. Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (9-1, 3.59) has won a career-high six straight starts, including a victory in Seattle last Sunday.
TRY AGAIN
Blue Jays righty Marcus Stroman is set to come off the disabled list and go for his first win of the season. He is 0-5 with a 7.71 ERA in seven starts, and hasn’t pitched since May 8 because of shoulder fatigue. He was 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA last year.
THUMPING
Cleveland is 5-0 against the Tigers at Progressive Field this season, outscoring them 28-5. Yonder Alonso hit a grand slam in a 10-0 romp Friday night. Detroit lefty Francisco Liriano (3-2, 3.90 ERA) will come off the disabled list to take on Trevor Bauer (6-5, 2.50 ERA). The Indians have won five in a row overall.
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