MLB Today: Darvish in sight, Kershaw tries to extend streak

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:

K ZONE

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw (6-1, 1.67 ERA) looks to extend his franchise record by striking out 10 or more hitters for a seventh consecutive game when Los Angeles hosts the Cincinnati Reds. Kershaw struck out 11 Angels his last time out and has 88 strikeouts and four walks in 70 innings this season. Cincinnati is opening an 11-day, 10-game trip with LHP Brandon Finnegan (1-2, 4.44) on the mound.

42 AND COUNTING

On the eve of his 43rd birthday, Bartolo Colon (3-3, 3.75 ERA) starts for the Mets in their series opener at rival Washington. On the mound for the Washington Nationals is New York Mets nemesis Gio Gonzalez (3-1, 1.86), who beat Colon last week at Citi Field.

WAIT AND SEE

The Detroit Tigers are hoping for good news on Jordan Zimmermann. The right-hander left a game Sunday with a strained groin and was scheduled for an MRI. ''We're going to hold off on anything concerning Zimm until we get a diagnosis,'' manager Brad Ausmus said. ''You certainly don't want to see the guy who has been your best pitcher all year get injured.'' Slugger Miguel Cabrera is expected to be fine after exiting Sunday with a left knee bruise from being hit by a pitch.

YU READY?

Yu Darvish seems about ready to return to the Texas Rangers rotation. The Japanese right-hander threw six scoreless innings Sunday in a Double-A game, likely his last rehab appearance in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Darvish hasn't pitched in a big league game since Aug. 9, 2014.

FIRST LOOKS

Ryan Howard is losing playing time to youngster Tommy Joseph. The 2006 NL MVP has the majors' lowest batting average at .161, and the left-handed slugger sat against a right-handed pitcher Sunday in favor of Joseph. Philadelphia is off to Detroit, where Joseph will play first base while Howard serves as the designated hitter. The Phillies pitch blossoming right-hander Vince Velasquez (5-1, 2.42).

UP-HILL BATTLE

The Oakland A's have lost four straight and are looking for LHP Rich Hill (6-3, 2.54) to serve as a stopper when they open a series in Seattle. Hill is 5-1 with a 1.96 ERA over his last six starts.