LEADING OFF: Ohtani road show to Cleveland; Astros optimism

A look at what’s happening around the majors on Friday:

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WHAT WILL SHOHEI DO NEXT?

The Shohei Ohtani road show heads to Cleveland after the two-way superstar thrilled opposing crowds in Detroit.

Ohtani’s Los Angeles Angels — whose playoff chances are slim at one game over .500 — will play two games at the Indians' home ballpark before both teams head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Little League Classic on Sunday night.

After that, LA travels to Baltimore for a three-game series against the major league-worst Orioles that’s expected to include Ohtani’s next mound start — perhaps a rare opportunity for Baltimore fans to feel some buzz.

Against Detroit, Ohtani had his longest mound start of the season, winning his fourth consecutive start with an eight-inning performance on Wednesday night. He also hit a towering, 430-foot homer — his major league-leading 40th of the season — that Tigers fans waiting for Miguel Cabrera to hit No. 500 couldn't help but admire.

Ohtani followed it up with a 2-for-3 day as the Angels rallied from an eight-run deficit to beat the Tigers on Thursday.

OPTIMISM IN HOUSTON

Astros manager Dusty Baker has reasons to feel good about his AL West-leading club even after an uninspired seven-game trip.

Houston went 3-4 on the road against the Angels and Royals and begins a weeklong homestand on Friday by hosting division rival Seattle. The Astros lead Oakland by 2 1/2 games, which hasn't escaped Baker's notice.

“I’ve been scoreboard watching every day,” Baker said. “Scoreboard watching is something I do between innings when I’m not thinking about what to do. We’re just looking forward to the finish line. We have a ways to go, and we haven’t played our best ball yet.”

One thing that's making...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Ohtani-road-show-to-Cleveland-16399387.php