A look at what’s happening all around the major leagues Wednesday:
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UNTIL OCTOBER
The Mets and Nationals wrap a three-game set in Washington, the last meeting between the NL East rivals until a season-ending series starting Oct. 2 in New York. Stephen Strasburg (8-6, 4.35 ERA) makes his first appearance since being pulled from his last start with back tightness. The right-hander threw just 60 pitches Aug. 30 in a win over Miami, ending a strong run of starts since he came off the disabled list following an oblique strain. Jacob deGrom (12-7, 2.40) goes for the Mets.
STREAKING JOE
Boston right-hander Joe Kelly (9-6) tries to win his eighth straight start when the Red Sox host Toronto in the series finale at Fenway Park. Kelly’s run is the longest by a Red Sox pitcher since Josh Beckett won seven consecutive starts in 2007. Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez’s streak of nine in 1999 is next on the list.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTED
The Cardinals are hoping to get back Kolten Wong after the second baseman missed the first two games of a three-game series against the Cubs with calf tightness. The 24-year-old is having his best offensive season to date, hitting .264 with 11 homers and 15 stolen bases. He’s struggled lately, though, batting .224 without a homer since Aug. 1.
BIG MAN’S BACK
CC Sabathia (4-9, 5.27 ERA) comes off the disabled list and returns to the Yankees’ rotation when they host fading Baltimore in the finale of a three-game series. The big left-hander has been sidelined with inflammation in his arthritic right knee and plans to pitch with a brace. He is 18-7 lifetime against the Orioles, who hope to have All-Star center fielder Adam Jones back in the lineup. Jones didn’t start Tuesday night because of a sore right shoulder.
KEEP IT GOING
J.A. Happ (8-7, 3.90 ERA) tries to add to his stretch of solid starts when the Pirates face the Reds. Since a rocky first outing after Pittsburgh acquired him from Seattle in July, the left-hander has allowed only two runs in his last five starts. He’s 1-3 in six career starts against Cincinnati.
PICK A DIFFERENT CARD
The Angels’ lineup gets a break after facing aces Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw on consecutive days as the Dodgers send out struggling Mat Latos (4-9, 4.92). The right-hander is 0-2 with a 6.56 ERA in five starts since being acquired from Miami. Garrett Richards (13-10, 3.77) pitches for the Angels.
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