Arms Race: Ohtani vs. King Felix, Arrieta vs. Scherzer
A look at what’s happening around the majors Sunday: HE’S OH-KAY » Shohei Ohtani is set to start for the Los Angeles Angels against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez at Safeco Field. Ohtani last pitched on April 24, and a mild ankle sprain delayed his return to the mound. The two-way star from Japan is 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in four starts, striking out 26 in 20 1/3 innings. Ohtani was hitting .339 with four home runs and 14 RBIs going into Saturday night’s game at Seattle. HI CY » The pitchers who’ve accounted for the last three NL Cy Young Awards square off at Nationals Park when Philadelphia’s Jake Arrieta (31, 3.49 ERA) opposes Max Scherzer (6-1, 1.79). Arrieta won the honor in 2015 with the Cubs and Scherzer, the NL Pitcher of the Month for April, has claimed the prize in each of the last two seasons with Washington. GROUNDED CARDINALS » St. Louis center fielder Tommy Pham, catcher Yadier Molina and closer Bud Norris will be evaluated, a day after they all were injured and left a game against the Cubs. Pham, who is hitting .327, was taken out with right groin tightness. Molina was lifted in the eighth inning after being hit in the groin by a tipped 102 mph pitch and Norris had to exit because of tightness in his triceps. CRUISING » The Yankees go for their 15th win in 16 games when Domingo German makes his first big league start after 12 relief appearances. German takes the slot of Jordan Montgomery, who has a strained pitching elbow. New York has won five straight and is aiming to sweep Cleveland. Mike Clevinger starts for the visiting Indians. TRY ANOTHER » Alex Cobb tries once more to post his first win for Baltimore. He signed a $57 million, fouryear deal as a free agent, but is 0-3 with a 9.68 ERA in four starts. He’s allowed 37 hits in 17 2/3 innings and struck out just six. The O’s, with the worst record in the AL, play at Oakland. LET’S SEE THAT AGAIN » The Kansas City Royals are the only team in the majors with a perfect record on replay challenges this season. Bill Duplissea, the club’s instant replay coordinator, is 9-0 so far.