LEADING OFF

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

CALENDAR CLUB: Nationals ace Max Scherzer, the NL pitcher of the month for June, and Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole, who took the American League prize, make their final starts before heading to the All-Star Game. Scherzer (8-5, 2.43 ERA) was 6-0 with a 1.00 ERA in six June outings and is scheduled to come off the paternity list to face Kansas City. Cole (8-5, 3.28) takes the ball against Mike Trout and the Angels having won four straight decisions.

THE CHICAGO WAY: Following a rare Friday off for both teams, Windy City rivals meet on the South Side in the opener of a two-game interleague series. All-Star pitcher Lucas Giolito (11-2, 2.72 ERA) starts for the Chicago White Sox against Jon Lester and (7-6, 3.89) and the Cubs, who are 9-15 in their last 24 games.

THE REPLACEMENTS: Shane Bieber (7-3, 3.54 ERA) pitches for Cleveland at Cincinnati, one day after being added to the American League roster for Tuesday night’s AllStar Game. The right-hander joins Indians teammates Carlos Santana, Francisco Lindor and Brad Hand as hometown representatives.

Oakland reliever Liam Hendriks and Dodgers infielder Max Muncy also were selected as All-Star substitutes Friday.

FAREWELL TOUR: Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia (5-4, 4.04 ERA) faces Tampa Bay in his last start before the All-Star Game, where he will be honored by Major League Baseball on Tuesday night. Sabathia is in the final season of his 19-year career. He’ll be recognized for his contributions to the game and longtime service to the community. His family will join the festivities in Cleveland, where he began his big league career with the Indians.