LEADING OFF

GOOD TO BE BACK: Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon says he’s looking forward to a two-game series at Tampa Bay. Maddon guided the Rays for nine seasons — they were the Devil Rays when he started in 2006 — and went 754708, along with leading them to their only World Series appearance. The Cubs are visiting Tropicana Field for the first time since 2008, when Tampa Bay swept all three games and then-rookie Evan Longoria had an RBI in each victory. Maddon still has a lot of friends in the area, and his foundation recently donated $25,000 to those affected by Hurricane Irma.

YOUNG AND OLD: When the Yankees host Minnesota in the middle game of their potential AL wild-card preview, it will be 37-year-old CC Sabathia on the mound for New York against 23-yearold Jose Berrios. Sabathia (11-5, 3.85 ERA) needs one strikeout to match Mickey Lolich (2,832) for third place all-time among left-handers. Sabathia, who will pitch on seven days’ rest, is 2-0 with a 3.14 ERA in five starts since returning last month from a brief stint on the DL due to right knee inflammation. Berrios (12-7, 3.84) beat New York 6-1 back home on July 19.

TOUGH AS NAILS: Astros right-hander Collin McHugh pitches for the first time since detaching a fingernail on his pitching hand Sept. 8. McHugh (2-2, 3.61) will be making just his 10th start this season after also missing time with a shoulder issue. AL West-winning Houston will open a home series against the White Sox, who plan to send out Lucas Giolito (2-2, 2.56).