THE HOT CORNER

1 DODGERS: Clayton Kershaw tied Sandy Koufax with his 2,396th strikeout to end the fifth inning Thursday night. Kershaw then struck out Austin Hedges in the sixth to pull even with Kevin Brown for 49th place on baseball’s career list. Only Don Sutton and Don Drysdale have more strikeouts than Kershaw and Koufax in Dodgers history.

2 REDS: Pitcher Trevor Bauer, who was acquired from Cleveland in a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline, will make his debut for the Reds today. He’ll be opposed by the Braves’ Dallas Keuchel.

3 RAYS: RHP Trevor Richards was optioned to Triple-A Durham. Manager Kevin Cash said the Rays want to build up Richards, acquired Wednesday in a trade with Miami, for longer appearances . ... 1B Nate Lowe and RHP Jose De Leon were also optioned to Durham to clear roster spots for 1B Jesus Aguilar and RHP Nick Anderson.

CARDINALS: OF Marcell Ozuna, 4 playing at Triple-A Memphis this week, is likely to join the Cardinals in Oakland today. He has been out with two broken fingers, suffered in late June . ... C Yadi Molina, out since July 11 with a right thumb strain, began a rehab stint in Memphis on Friday. He is still at least a week away from joining the team, according to manager Mike Shildt.

5 ASTROS: Manager A.J. Hinch has set the first starts for RHP Zack Greinke (today against Seattle) and RHP Aaron Sanchez (Tuesday against Colorado). Former AL Cy Young Award winner Greinke was acquired from Arizona, while Sanchez and RHP Joe Biagini were dealt by Toronto.“They all know what’s ahead of them,” Hinch said. “It’s nice to have a plan.” ... RHP Brad Peacock (right shoulder soreness) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock by working two innings either today or Sunday.