- Francisco Liriano will attempt to build on a strong effort against the Royals when he faces the AL wild card-leading Rangers in Texas.It will be his second start in Arlington in a month, as he allowed three runs -- two earned -- in six innings in a no-decision on July 19.The Rangers will counter with Tommy Hunter, who just shut out the Indians for 7 2/3 innings last time out.The 2007 supplemental first-round pick is 5-2 with a 2.26 ERA.
- Ted Lilly will rejoin the Cubs’ rotation tonight after missing four starts due to left shoulder inflammation and a knee injury that required minor surgery. It looks like he’ll be able to ease back into action against a Padres team that has been especially weak against left-handers (.229/.300/.368).Lilly is 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA against San Diego in his career.
Game of the Night
St. Louis vs. Los Angeles - The NL’s two winningest teams will begin a three-game series with a rather lopsided pitching matchup.Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter is 12-3 with a 2.27 ERA that ranks second in the majors.Dodgers knuckleballer Charlie Haeger is 1-2 with a 6.35 ERA in a career that includes one start and 18 relief appearances.It will be his debut for the team after he went 11-6 with a very impressive 3.55 ERA for Triple-A Albuquerque.Away from the offensive paradise the Isotopes play in half of the time, he had a 2.44 ERA.
