LEADING OFF

A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

NOT AGAIN: Already missing a string of key players due to injuries, the New York Mets hope for good news when steady shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has an MRI. Cabrera hurt his left thumb trying to make a diving stop Saturday night against Miami. The team said X-rays were negative. New York is also without ace pitcher Noah Syndergaard (lat muscle), outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring), first baseman Lucas Duda (elbow), catcher Travis d’Arnaud (wrist), left-hander Steven Matz (elbow) and right-hander Seth Lugo (elbow).

MARQUEE MATCHUP: Two of the top pitchers in the American League this season square off when Chris Sale (2-2, 1.38 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox face Ervin Santana (5-0, 0.66) and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Sale has 63 strikeouts and eight walks while allowing only 26 hits in 45 2/3 innings. Santana has been even more stingy, giving up just 16 hits in 41 innings.

HEY OLD FRIEND: Jon Lester gets the ball for the Cubs when the World Series champions close out a weekend series against the Yankees at Wrigley Field. Lester is making his 30th start against New York, matching teammate John Lackey for the most starts by an active NL pitcher against the club. The left-hander, who began his career with Boston, is 13-6 with a 3.78 ERA against New York. BUM WING: Baltimore will lean on Brad Brach as closer for a bit longer after Zach Britton was put back on the disabled list Saturday. Britton said he probably rushed his return from a left forearm strain.