LEADING OFF: Dodgers-Giants, Yankees-Rays, Rangers reeling

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

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HERE WE GO AGAIN

The Dodgers and Giants are back at it, renewing their long-standing rivalry in San Francisco with left-hander Julio Urias (12-3, 3.63 ERA) on the mound for Los Angeles against Logan Webb (4-3, 3.54) in the opener of a three-game series.

San Francisco took three of four at Dodger Stadium last week and leads the NL West by two games over the defending World Series champions.

TAMPA HEAT

After losing three of four in Boston last weekend, the New York Yankees play another AL East rival on the road when they begin a critical three-game series at Tampa Bay.

New York (51-47) is facing some important decisions with Friday’s trade deadline looming, and owner Hal Steinbrenner, who lives in the area, likely will be in attendance at Tropicana Field.

Yankees All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge and catcher Kyle Higashioka took another step toward returning from the COVID-19 injured list by taking batting practice Monday at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. First baseman Luke Voit, on the IL with left knee inflammation, also took part in the workout at the Yankees’ spring training complex. With manager Aaron Boone present, Judge went through defensive drills in right field as well.

Judge and Higashioka, placed on the injured list July 16, are expected back during the series against the Rays.

New York is 9 1/2 games behind AL East-leading Boston and eight back of the second-place Rays, but much closer in the hunt for the second AL wild card.

NEW ADDITION

All-Star second baseman Adam Frazier could make his San Diego debut when the Padres host Oakland. Frazier was traded from the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates to playoff-contending San Diego for three minor leaguers on Monday.

Frazier was the National League...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Dodgers-Giants-Yankees-Rays-16341894.php