LEADING OFF: Lincecum has 15-inning scoreless streak
A look at what's happening all around the major leagues Thursday:
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FREAK OUT
San Francisco right-hander Tim Lincecum has found the form that made him a two-time NL Cy Young Award winner after struggling for the past several years. The Freak has thrown 15 consecutive scoreless innings heading into a matchup against Cincinnati righty Johnny Cueto.
FOCUS ON THE WIN
Right-hander Michael Wacha (5-0) looks to remain unbeaten in his seventh start this season, when the Cardinals face the Indians a day after a testy game of tight pitches and hit batters. The Indians start righty Trevor Bauer (2-1).
WIN ONE FOR THE SKIPPER
Colorado manager Walt Weiss left Angel Stadium on Wednesday before batting practice following two days of stomach discomfort. By the time he had an appendectomy later that night, the Rockies were on their way to losing their 11th straight game. Bench coach Tom Runnells will guide the team in Weiss' absence. The Rockies start a four-game series up the freeway against the Dodgers.
HOME, SWEET HOME
Cubs right-hander Travis Wood will make his third start this season at Wrigley Field, where he is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA. Away from the friendly confines, Wood is 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in four starts. Jonathon Niese (3-2) gets the ball for the Mets.
LONG HAUL
Right-hander Joe Kelly makes his second career start against the Mariners as Boston concludes its season-long 10-game road trip by opening a four-game series at Safeco Field. Last time, he hung tough opposite Felix Hernandez with five scoreless innings on Aug. 22 at Fenway Park but received a no-decision.
HELP WANTED
Right-hander Ryan Mattheus is expected to report to the Cincinnati Reds, who claimed him off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels hoping he can help patch up their leaky bullpen. Reds relievers went into Wednesday with the NL's second-worst ERA. The 31-year-old Mattheus is 7-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 146 career appearances. He pitched one inning for the Angels after spending parts of four seasons with Washington.