LEADING OFF: Rodon makes 1st start; Chen plays for team 11

A look at what’s happening all around the major leagues today:

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GOING FOR 100

Reigning NL MVP and Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw has just one win in six starts this season for the Dodgers. It will be his fourth try at his 100th career win when he faces the Rockies.

MAD STREAK

World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants will try to win a third straight start when he faces the Marlins on Saturday. The lefty (3-1, 3.03 ERA) took a no-hit bid into the seventh against San Diego his last time out.

NEXT BIG THING

White Sox top prospect Carlos Rodon will make his first major league start, in the nightcap of a doubleheader against the Reds. With right-hander Jeff Samardzija serving his five-game suspension, Chicago needed somebody to face Cincinnati. That chance is going to Rodon, who has a 2.84 ERA in three relief appearances. ”It should be fun. We’ll see how it goes,” Rodon said.

AND INDIANS MAKE 11

Indians left-hander Bruce Chen will make his first major league appearance since Aug. 28, when he starts against Minnesota. He signed a minor league contract with Cleveland in February. Chen, 37, will be pitching for his 11th major league team. ”Not like I’m counting or anything. I have the hats, baseball bags, but every single team is special for me and hopefully I can make it a special time in Cleveland.”

RESTING UP

Center fielder Carlos Gomez could return for the Brewers’ game against the Chicago Cubs after missing a couple days with what manager Craig Counsell said was a ”very mild hip flexor.” Counsell said having Gomez sit was precautionary because of another injury to his right leg. Gomez came off the 15-day disabled list on May 2 for a right hamstring strain. He’s off to a slow start batting .236 with a homer and nine RBIs.

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