Nats ready for Giolito's debut; Indians aim for 11
WASHINGTON - On June 8, 2010, Stephen Strasburg made his major-league debut at Nationals Park before a crowd that was buzzing by the time he finished the night with seven strikeouts in a row.
Nearly six years later another right-hander from California is slated to make his first major-league appearance on the mound for the Washington Nationals.
Washington manager Dusty Baker announced Monday that Lucas Giolito, 21, will be summoned from Double-A Harrisburg to start against the New York Mets on Tuesday in the second game of the series between the two top teams in the National League East. He is considered perhaps the best pitching prospect in all of the minor leagues.
Is Giolito ready for the big stage?
"Well, you don't know if he's ready or not until he gets here and performs, but I liked what we saw down in spring training," Baker said.
Giolito has made 14 starts this year for Harrisburg of the Eastern League and is 5-3 with an ERA of 3.17 in 71 innings, with 72 strikeouts and 34 walks and 67 hits allowed. A spot opened in Washington's rotation when Strasburg went on the disabled list Sunday with an upper back strain.
Here's what else is happening all around the majors today:
PERFECT 10
Cleveland goes for its 11th straight victory when 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber (7-7, 3.59 ERA) pitches in Atlanta. The AL Central leaders have the longest winning streak in the majors this season and their longest run since closing the 2013 regular season with 10 consecutive wins. The Indians have outscored opponents 68-21 and hit 21 homers during the streak. Matt Wisler (3-7, 4.22), who has a 7.59 ERA in four June starts, pitches for the last-place Braves.
TOP THAT
Cubs slugger Kris Bryant tries to follow up his powerful performance in Cincinnati. Bryant became the first major leaguer to hit three homers and two doubles in a game on Monday night, setting a franchise record with 16 total bases. His six RBIs matched a career high.
WELCOME BACK
Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura (6-4) returns from an eight-game suspension stemming from a brawl in Baltimore. He will face Cardinals righty Michael Wacha (3-7), who won for the first time in nearly two months his last time out against the Cubs.
BACK IN THERE
Designated hitter Alex Rodriguez is expected back in the Yankees' lineup when they face Rangers lefty Cole Hamels (8-1). The three-time MVP was on the bench Monday against righty Chi Chi Gonzalez and said he was ''surprised'' he was held out for the second straight day. New York manager Joe Girardi explained that A-Rod has struggled against right-handers. Rodriguez, who turns 41 next month, is batting .223 with eight homers and 26 RBIs in 44 games overall. ''You haven't heard the last of me,'' he said.
TWO LOOKS LEFT
Dodgers lefty Julio Urias (0-2, 4.33 ERA) pitches in Milwaukee, getting another shot at his first major league win when he takes one of his final two turns in the rotation. Los Angeles plans to give the 19-year-old rookie a break; he pitched 80 innings last year and already has thrown a combined 68 in the minors and majors this season.
ON A ROLL
Zack Greinke attempts to win his eighth consecutive decision when the Arizona Diamondbacks host Philadelphia.
REDDICK IS READY
The A's welcome back right fielder Josh Reddick from the disabled list for the second game in a four-game Bay Bridge Series against the San Francisco Giants. Out since May 20 with a broken left thumb, Reddick had planned to return Monday but pushed it back a day because he didn't feel quite right and wanted one more rehab game with Triple-A Nashville.