LEADING OFF

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

UNEXPECTED IN THE EAST: The Nationals and Mets begin a three-game series in Queens with surprising significance considering both teams have been more than 10 games below .500 this season. Washington now leads the NL wild-card race, and New York is only 2½ games behind. The Mets have won 13 of 14 after stunningly deciding to be buyers at the trade deadline. Former Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman (6-11, 3.07) will make his second start since being acquired last month. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg (14-5, 3.72) is up for the Nats.

PRICE DOWN: The Red Sox will try to remain relevant to the AL playoff picture without left-hander David Price, who was placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday after an MRI revealed a cyst on his left wrist. The team announced the 33-yearold Price was treated with a shot of cortisone in the wrist. Price is 7-5 record with a 4.36 ERA over 21 starts this season. Cora noted that the cyst, classified as a TFCC cyst, was not cancerous or related to any other serious illness.

NET POSITIVE: The Astros will extend the protective netting at Minute Maid Park to cover more of the seating area, joining other teams that have taken safety measures after foul balls injured fans. The team announced Thursday the extended netting would be installed before the homestand starting Aug. 19.

BAUER POWER: Righthander Trevor Bauer is slated to make his first appearance in front of his new home fans as Cincinnati continues a series against the Cubs. Bauer was acquired from Cleveland ahead of the trade deadline.