The Nationals open a series against Miami hoping to end a five-game skid and get back to .500. Washington fell to 42-43 with a loss to Boston on Wednesday http://www.thecoltsfootballauthentic.com/bobby-okereke-jersey-authentic , the first time the preseason NL East favorites have been under .500 this late in the year since being 60-61 on Aug. 21, 2015. The Nationals held a players’ only meeting after a 3-0 loss to the Red Sox highlighted by Adam Eaton’s throwing error and a wild pitch from Ryan Madson. Jeremy Hellickson (2-1, 2.63) makes his second start since returning from the DL, while Marlins righty Pablo Lopez (1-0, 3.00) makes his second MLB start.

NOT VERY VERLANDER

Justin Verlander (9-4, 2.12) tries to stop a personal slide when the Astros open a series against the White Sox. Verlander has allowed nine runs in 11 2/3 innings over his past two starts, taking losses to Toronto (four runs) and Tampa Bay (five runs). Verlander hasn’t allowed four or more earned runs in three straight starts since June 2014 while with Detroit. Carlos Rodon (1-3 Khari Willis Jersey , 4.55) is up for Chicago.

CUETO’S BACK

Johnny Cueto is expected to be reinstated from the disabled list and pitch when the Giants open a four-game series against the Cardinals. Cueto was placed on the disabled list May 1 with inflammation in his right elbow. A few days later, he visited Dr. James Andrews, who diagnosed him with a strained elbow. Cueto is 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA in five starts this season. The Giants are 41-21 in his starts since he joined the team in 2016.

PITCHING IN

Angels rookie Jaime Barria will start against AL West-leading Seattle in place of Tyler Skaggs a day after the left-hander went on the DL with a thigh strain. Barria is making his 12th start of the season and has given up two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. Lefty Marco Gonzales (8-5, 3.77) makes his first start since pitching the first complete game of his career in a 4-1 win over Kansas City.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Joe Mauer needs one double to give him 415 in his career, which would break a tie with Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett for the Twins’ franchise record. Minnesota has lost six straight and returns home from a 1-8 trip to play Baltimore, which has the worst record in the majors at 24-61. More good news for the scuffling Twins: Two-time All-Star Ervin Santana (right middle finger surgery) is scheduled to make his next rehab appearance for Class A Fort Myers.

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Seattle fans don’t need to worry about Russell Wilson.

The Seahawks quarterback didn’t neglect his football duties during his week at spring training with the New York Yankees.

Wilson did his offseason gridiron drills each morning with his trainer before taking the baseball field.

”I’m definitely not sitting on the couch,” Wilson said.

Monday Josh Allen Jersey , Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are heavy days for Wilson, with Wednesday and Saturday light days and Sunday typically off.

Wilson, who took batting practice with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge during his final Yankees’ workout Saturday, gave an autographed football to all of his teammates.

A former minor league infielder, the Yankees acquired him from Texas last month and wanted to observe his leadership skills. He wanted to soak up the attitude of a franchise with 27 World Series titles.

Wilson did get an unexpected at-bat in Friday’s game against Atlanta, striking out on a 2-2 pitch from left-hander Max Fried.

The 29-year-old Wilson led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl title after the 2013 season.

NOTES: Luis Severino had a strong three-inning simulated game http://www.thejaguarsfootballauthentic.com/jawaan-taylor-jersey-authentic , striking out seven and allowing two hits. Third in last season’s AL Cy Young Award voting, the right-hander threw 37 of 47 pitches for strikes.

Severino said an opening day start would mean a lot.

”For now, I’m not thinking about that,” Severino said. ”Working on my pitches.”

Severino could make his first spring training start Thursday against Philadelphia.

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