MLB Today: Cueto seeking 1st win with Royals, Kennedy rejoins Padres
Here's a look at what's happening around MLB today:
YOUNG AND YOUNGER
New York Yankees prized prospect Luis Severino makes his big-league debut, facing the Boston Red Sox in the Bronx. At 21, he'll become the youngest pitcher to start in the majors this season. The righty began the year in Double-A, then went 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA in Triple-A. The American League East leaders need depth in the rotation after learning Michael Pineda is out until at least September with a strained right forearm.
TRY AGAIN
Johnny Cueto aims for his first win with the Kansas City Royals when he starts at Detroit. The star right-hander got a no-decision last week in his first game for Kansas City after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds. Cueto is 7-6 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 20 starts this season.
ROOKIE WATCH
The last-place Red Sox plan to start rookie pitchers for all three games at Yankee Stadium this week. Henry Owens made his major-league debut Tuesday night, with Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez set to follow. It would be the first time since 1945 that Boston started rookie pitchers every time in a series of at least three games against New York, the team said in citing research by the Elias Sports Bureau. Those rooks 70 years ago, by the way, were Randy Heflin, Vic Johnson, and Boo Ferriss.
ANY INTEREST?
Lefty Wandy Rodriguez is available on waivers after being cut by the Texas Rangers. The 36-year-old is 6-4 with a 4.90 ERA this year, and becomes a free agent Thursday if no teams claims him. He is 97-98 in 11 seasons.
SHORT AND SWEET
Seattle Mariners rookie Ketel Marte is scheduled to make his first start at shortstop in the series finale at Colorado. He's started three times at second base and once in center field since being promoted from Triple-A last week. The 21-year-old started 360 games at shortstop in five minor-league seasons.
GO GET 'EM, DAD!
Ian Kennedy makes his first start for the San Diego Padres since coming off the paternity list. The right-hander, who had been mentioned in trade deadline speculation, pitches at Milwaukee. Kennedy and wife Allison celebrated the birth of their fourth daughter Friday.