Weather to watch
Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves: A 50 percent chance of thunderstorms throughout the evening hours could cause delays at Turner Field.
Who’s hot?
The Seattle Mariners are winners of seven straight and have 14 victories in their last 19 games. They'll be put to the test in a three-game set with the Yankees beginning Friday.
Who’s not?
The Cleveland Indians have lost five straight and are falling out of contention in the AL Central. They're seven games back of the White Sox for the division lead heading into action Thursday.
Key stat
Albert Pujols is the fourth player in history to reach the 1,400-RBI mark in his first 12 seasons, joining Joe DiMaggio, Al Simmons and Lou Gehrig.
Game of the day
Los Angeles Angels at Chicago White Sox (+124)
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he isn't concerned about the "little torn rotator cuff" in his right arm.
"I'm good. It's OK, just sore," he said when asked about the injury Thursday. "I have a little torn rotator cuff. That doesn't heal. We just have to hope it doesn't tear the rest of the way,"
Notable quotable
“Everyone deserves a second chance in financial situations.”- Jose Canseco after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Nevada.
Betting notes
- Nationals SP Jordan Zimmermann’s next scheduled start has been pushed back from Friday to Saturday due to minor shoulder inflammation.
- The Philadelphia Phillies are 38-31 (.550) on weekdays this season heading into action Thursday and just 9-26 (.257) on Saturday and Sunday.
- Miami OF Giancarlo Stanton, out since July 7 with a right knee injury, could begin a rehab assignment with Class-A Jupiter on Friday. Stanton, who has 19 homers and 50 RBIs, may return to the majors next week barring any setbacks.