LOOKING AHEAD

A look at what’s happening around the majors on Thursday:

FAST START: All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber tries to keep up Cleveland’s strong run through the rotation when he pitches at Minnesota.

Bieber struck out 14 against Kansas City on opening day, the most K’s in an opener since Hall of Famer Randy Johnson’s 14 in 1996.

The Indians have opened the season with six consecutive starters pitching at least six innings while allowing two runs or fewer. The last team to do that was the 1993 Atlanta Braves, whose staff included Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. Cleveland last did it in 1905, when the team was known as the Naps.

HURTING CLOSER: Texas Rangers closer Jose Leclerc is undergoing evaluation after he felt shoulder tightness warming up Wednesday against Colorado. Nick Goody handled the save opportunity instead and retired the side in order in the ninth.

“We are going to evaluate him today and tomorrow to see what exactly is going on,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said.

The Rangers have a day off Thursday before playing backto-back road series at San Francisco and Oakland. Leclerc got a save in the opener and has pitched in one other game.

SHORTER DOUBLEHEADERS? MLB is debating whether to play shorter doubleheaders this season.

The players’ association is surveying its members and deciding whether to propose two seven-inning games, or one nine-inning game followed by one seven-inning contest.

MLB is expected to decide by Saturday whether to go with shorter doubleheaders this season. Philadelphia and Toronto are scheduled to play a doubleheader that day.