Scherzer returns from neck troubles

A look at what’s happening all around the majors Monday:

MAX EFFORT

Nationals ace Max Scherzer pitches for the first time since leaving his previous start because of neck spasms. Scherzer (12-5, 2.21 ERA) was pushed back to give him extra time to get ready going into this game at Miami. The right-hander leads the NL with 201 strikeouts.

SHOW ME SHOWDOWN

Ian Kennedy (4-7) and the Kansas City Royals host Carlos Martinez (79) and the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a four-game matchup — the Missouri postseason contenders play twice at Kauffman Stadium, then two more at Busch Stadium.

BIRD BAT

A lot of fans wondered why Baltimore even bothered to acquire infielder Tim Beckham from Tampa Bay right before the trade deadline. Since the swap, Beckman is hitting .583 (14 for 24) with six RBIs in six games. The Orioles have perked up lately, winning seven of nine and getting back into contention for a playoff spot going into this series in Anaheim vs. the Angels.

LOOKING GOOD

Cubs righty Jake Arrieta (10-8, 3.88 ERA) is 3-2 with a 2.08 ERA over his last six starts, showing flashes of the form that helped him win the NL Cy Young Award in 2015. He’ll pitch when Chicago opens a series at San Francisco.

ALONSO ON THE MOVE

The Seattle Mariners acquired All-Star first baseman Yonder Alonso from the Oakland Athletics for minor league outfielder Boog Powell.

The Mariners, who have not been in postseason play since 2001, entered a Sunday doubleheader at Kansas City, trailing the Royals by 1½ games for the second wildcard spot.

Alonso, 30, is hitting .266 with 17 doubles, 22 home runs and 49 RBI. He ranks second among American League first baseman with a .527 slugging percentage.

Alonso, a left-handed hitter, could platoon at first base with Danny Valencia. Alonso has 18 home runs, 40 RBIs and a .948 OPS against right-handed pitching this year.

Powell hit .194 in 23 games with three stints with Seattle this year. He has spent most of the season with Triple-A Tacoma.