What to expect in the major leagues today:
Petco production
Tommy Hanson looks to try to quiet the suddenly hot Padres bats in San Diego.
Prior to Monday’s 17-run outburst in their home opener, the Padres had scored 19 runs in six games this season. Eight of San Diego’s 25 extra-base hits this season also came in that blowout win. Surprisingly, the Padres’ bats came to life against Jair Jurrjens, the Braves’ 24-year-old righthander who finished fifth in the majors last season with a 2.60 ERA. Seeking to get back to .500, Atlanta will throw another young ace, 23-year-old Tommy Hanson, this evening. Hanson also finished last season with a sub-3.00 ERA but allowed an uncharacteristic two homers in first outing this season. The only other time Hanson allowed multiple homers in a start was his major league debut in 2009.
Some help for C.J.
Confident that he could make a successful transition from reliever to starter, Rangers lefthander C.J. Wilson had a successful 2010 debut. He struck out nine Blue Jays in seven scoreless innings in his first start since 2005. Wilson was denied a win, however, thanks to poor run support and closer Frank Francisco’s first blown save. Working in Wilson’s favor tonight in Cleveland: Nelson Cruz and Neftali Feliz. In his past four games, Cruz is 7-for-14 with three homers and six RBIs. Feliz, who has five strikeouts and no runs allowed in his past three outings, has taken over the ninth-inning duties.
Wells at Wrigley
This afternoon, the Cubs will try to get to .500 for the first time this season behind the right arm of the man who delivered their first win of the season. Randy Wells, who tied for the team lead in wins (12) as a rookie in 2009, blanked the Braves over six innings last week. The Brewers, also 3-4 this season, will counter with righthander Dave Bush, who had his share of problems (6.20 ERA) in four starts against Chicago last season.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Petco production
Tommy Hanson looks to try to quiet the suddenly hot Padres bats in San Diego.
Prior to Monday’s 17-run outburst in their home opener, the Padres had scored 19 runs in six games this season. Eight of San Diego’s 25 extra-base hits this season also came in that blowout win. Surprisingly, the Padres’ bats came to life against Jair Jurrjens, the Braves’ 24-year-old righthander who finished fifth in the majors last season with a 2.60 ERA. Seeking to get back to .500, Atlanta will throw another young ace, 23-year-old Tommy Hanson, this evening. Hanson also finished last season with a sub-3.00 ERA but allowed an uncharacteristic two homers in first outing this season. The only other time Hanson allowed multiple homers in a start was his major league debut in 2009.
Some help for C.J.
Confident that he could make a successful transition from reliever to starter, Rangers lefthander C.J. Wilson had a successful 2010 debut. He struck out nine Blue Jays in seven scoreless innings in his first start since 2005. Wilson was denied a win, however, thanks to poor run support and closer Frank Francisco’s first blown save. Working in Wilson’s favor tonight in Cleveland: Nelson Cruz and Neftali Feliz. In his past four games, Cruz is 7-for-14 with three homers and six RBIs. Feliz, who has five strikeouts and no runs allowed in his past three outings, has taken over the ninth-inning duties.
Wells at Wrigley
This afternoon, the Cubs will try to get to .500 for the first time this season behind the right arm of the man who delivered their first win of the season. Randy Wells, who tied for the team lead in wins (12) as a rookie in 2009, blanked the Braves over six innings last week. The Brewers, also 3-4 this season, will counter with righthander Dave Bush, who had his share of problems (6.20 ERA) in four starts against Chicago last season.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
