LEADING OFF: Reds eye return after positive test; Rays-Yanks

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:

WILL THEY PLAY?

The Reds are scheduled for an early flight to Kansas City for a two-game series against the Royals that was put in doubt after a Cincinnati player tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. Players, coaches and other organization members were retested for the coronavirus Saturday and Sunday after one player was sidelined because of a positive result. The final two games of a series against Pittsburgh at Great American Ball Park were postponed.

The Reds made travel plans for Kansas City and expected to start Luis Castillo (0-2) in the series opener, assuming it’s played.

ROUND 2

The Yankees look for revenge against the Rays when they open a three-game series in the Bronx. Tampa Bay took three of four from the AL East leaders a week ago and could steal away the division lead with a sweep in the second of three series scheduled between the rivals in this pandemic-shortened season. The Yankees are still without injured stars Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu. New York right-hander Masahiro Tanaka (0-0, 2.31 ERA) opposes 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell (1-0, 2.08) in the opener.

PROSPECT TRIES AGAIN

Blue Jays rookie Nate Pearson (0-0, 5.11 ERA) makes his fourth start, looking for a bounce-back performance against the Orioles after giving up four runs in 2 1/3 innings to Miami last week. The 23-year-old launched his big league career on July 29 with five shutout innings against the defending World Series champion Nationals but hasn't been as sharp against Atlanta and the Marlins.

Pearson said he made an adjustment to his delivery after his last start and intends to be more aggressive on the mound.

“I’m developing at the highest level,” Pearson said. “When I don’t...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Reds-eye-return-after-positive-test-15491080.php