LEADING OFF: Andújar expected off IL, Cahill’s global feat
A look at what’s happening around the majors Saturday:
HOT CORNER HELPER
Third baseman Miguel Andújar is set to come off the injured list for the Yankees against Minnesota, and New York hopes a few other big bats will follow. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu may join him in the lineup, with outfielder Clint Frazier expected to follow Monday, the same day center fielder Aaron Hicks could begin a minor league rehab assignment. Andújar has been out since April 1 with a small labrum tear in his right shoulder. New York had feared he would need surgery, but Andújar responded well to a rehab program and rejoined the club Friday. Including Andújar, New York has 13 players on the IL.
GLOBETROTTING
Angels RHP Trevor Cahill (1-2, 5.93) is set to become the first pitcher in big league history to start games in four different countries when he takes the mound at Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey against the Astros, part of a two-game series in Mexico. Cahill has already started in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
ROLLING RIZZO
Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo is heating up with the first-place Cardinals in town for three games. Rizzo homered in his third straight game Friday, helping Chicago top St. Louis 4-0 behind an 81-pitch complete game from Kyle Hendricks. Rizzo is 10 for 21 in the past week, raising his batting average from .198 to .252 while hitting four of his eight homers and driving in nine runs.
ACE IN THE MAKING?
Rookie right-hander Mike Soroka is showing signs he could be Atlanta’s next ace. He has a 2.76 ERA through eight career starts, including a 1.62 mark in three games this season. The Braves have gotten mixed results from their young rotation, entering Friday with a 4.67 ERA among the starters — 21st in the majors — but Soroka and Max Fried have been excellent. The 21-year-old Soroka gets the ball against Miami.
