Weather to watch
St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies: A 60 percent chance of thundershowers throughout the evening hours. Winds expected to blow out to left field at 12 mph.
Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles: Also a 60 percent of scattered thunderstorms. Winds expected to blow out to left field at 12 mph.
Who’s hot?
The Washington Nationals have won six straight games and eight of their last 10. The Nationals hold a 4.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves for top spot in the NL East and boast the best record in the bigs at 69-43.
Who’s not?
The season can’t end quickly enough for the Houston Astros. The Astros have dropped five straight contests and are just 1-9 in their last 10 games.
Key stat
4 – The number of wins the Houston Astros have since June 28.
Game of the day
Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers (-132, 10.5)
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
San Diego Chargers starting running back Ryan Mathews is expected to miss at least a month after breaking his collarbone on his first carry in a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. He’s expected to have surgery Friday morning and coach Norv Turner believes Matthews could miss up to six weeks of action.
Notable quotable
"That was for all the doubters, there were a lot of people talking and doubting. That was just for them to say they can stop talking now. I'm a living legend." –Usain Bolt after winning the men’s 200-meter event at the London Games.
Betting news and notes
-The surging Oakland Athletics are 23-9 in their last 32 games overall and have won 22 of their last 28 against right-handed starters.
Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (right thumb) could be activated for Friday's game. Plouffe, who was eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday, was to be re-evaluated after a second consecutive batting cage session Thursday. Plouffe is second on the team with 19 homers.
-Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right hip Friday. Helton, Colorado's all-time leader in home runs (354) and RBIs (1,345), is expected to be ready for spring training. He has one year remaining on his contract.
- The Seattle Seahawks may have violated the NFL's collective bargaining agreement by allowing wide receiver Terrell Owens to practice in shoulder pads during his first on-field workout.The CBA states players have a three-day acclimation period during the preseason and they can’t wear shoulder guards until the fourth day of training camp. The team could face discipline from the league for the violation.
-Replacement officials were booed during the Bills-Redskins game Thursday after blowing a call on a touchback. Buffalo downed a punt at the Washington four-yard line, but back judge Craig Burd ruled it a touchback.