LEADING OFF: Kershaw vs. MadBum, Kluber-Smaradzija

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A look at what's happening all around the major leagues Wednesday:

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TOP BILLING

A marquee matchup is on tap between reigning NL MVP and Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers and World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner of the Giants in a duel of two top left-handers.

WHAT MORE CAN HE DO?

AL CY Young Award winner Corey Kluber has taken no-hitters into the sixth inning in two of his three starts this year, and he's still winless. He faces the White Sox and Jeff Samardzija, also 0-1 in his first three starts this year.

HANG TEN

The New York Mets try to extend their winning streak to 10 when Dillon Gee starts vs. the visiting Braves. The Mets are nearing the team record of 11 straight victories, last accomplished in 1990.

CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER

A couple of key arms from the 2013 AL Championship Series square off at Nationals Park with their current teams, as Cardinals RHP John Lackey (1-0, 2.77 ERA) faces Nationals RHP Doug Fister (1-0, 0.69). In the 2013 ALCS, Lackey's Red Sox beat Fister's Tigers in six games en route to a World Series title; they did not start against each other in that series.

PENDING RETURN

Two of the Colorado Rockies' best players are hoping to get back in the lineup. Third baseman Nolan Arenado (left wrist) felt better swinging off a tee and outfielder Corey Dickerson (left plantar faciitis) was also out. Manager Walt Weiss said he was being cautious with both of them and would check with them before writing out the lineup against San Diego.

WANTING A WIN

Angels ace Jered Weaver is still looking for his first win of the season. He gave up 10 runs in 10 1-3 innings in his first two starts but his third start was much better: two runs in six innings. He faces the Athletics and right-hander Sonny Gray.

STINGY TIGER

Detroit lefty David Price has allowed only one earned run in 22 1-3 innings (0.40 ERA). He pitches Game 3 of a four-game series against Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees. Adam Warren starts for New York.

NO ACE FOR BRADLEY

When Diamondbacks rookie right-hander Archie Bradley takes the mound for his third career start, he won't be facing another team's award winner. Bradley is the first pitcher in baseball history to start opposite a reigning Cy Young Award winner (Clayton Kershaw) and the World Series MVP (Madison Bumgarner) in his first two major league games. This time he faces Texas opening-day starter Yovani Gallardo.

Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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