LEADING OFF: Stumbling Cubs face Bucs, HR Derby updates

By: The Associated Press Posted: 8:01 PM CDT Sunday, Jun. 30, 2019 Last Modified: 1:29 AM CDT Monday, Jul. 1, 2019

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

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

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/06/2019 (2314 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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

BEAR DOWN

The slumping Cubs hope to get right as rookie Adbert Alzolay (1-0) starts against Pittsburgh. Chicago has dropped three of four and finished June 14-15, its first losing month since May 2017. Alzolay has allowed two runs in 8 2/3 innings over two appearances. He’ll oppose Pirates right-hander Trevor Williams (2-2, 4.25).

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Adbert Alzolay delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

BIG SWINGERS

Two spots remain open for the Home Run Derby and need to be filled before Wednesday’s formal announcement of the field. Six of the eight participants are known: Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich, Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr., the New York Mets’ Pete Alonso, Pittsburgh’s Josh Bell and Cleveland’s Carlos Santana. All-Star Texas slugger Joey Gallo seems a promising fit for one of those slots, but he said Sunday he still hasn’t been invited.

MINOR’S LEAGUE

Unlikely All-Star Mike Minor makes his first start since being added to the roster for his first Midsummer Classic. The Rangers left-hander is 8-4 with a 2.40 ERA, coming all the way back from a two-year MLB absence after injuries derailed his career to make this year’s AL squad. The 31-year-old will pitch the opener of a series against the Angels, who are 4 1/2 games behind Texas for the second AL wild card.

OH CANADA

The Blue Jays will play a rare Monday matinee as part of Canada Day festivities. Toronto hosts Kansas City in the finale of a four-game series, with LHP Clayton Richard (0-4) seeking his first win of the season for the Blue Jays. It will be the first Canada Day game for rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and it’ll come a day after he joined the Home Run Derby field for next week’s showcase in Cleveland. The 20-year-old Guerrero will become the youngest player ever to participate in the derby, edging Ken Griffey Jr. in 1990.

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