The timing couldn't be better, what with the Mariners' lead over the Astros being the size it is and with Houston heading to Seattle this week. Plus, two other starters - righties Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller - remain out of commission for likely another couple weeks dealing with their own injuries, as well.

If this season has shown us anything so far, it’s that the American League has few elite teams, and the majority of the squads are fighting for position in the middle of the pack. As a result, the early divisional battles have become even more interesting.

Tavares went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and a stolen base in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the White Sox. Taveras singled and stole a base in the sixth inning before smacking a two-run homer off Mike Vasil in the eighth that put Seattle ahead for good.

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Texas Rangers manager Burce Bochy was thrown out of Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees while arguing a call given to Aaron Judge.

Since being claimed off waivers from the Rangers and getting added to the active roster May 7, Taveras has started in right field in all but one of the Mariners' ensuing 13 games. However, Taveras has largely failed to capitalize on the opportunity,

The Rangers placed the right-handed pitcher on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement in late April.

Yankees starter Will Warren set another career high in strikeouts on Tuesday, sitting 10 Rangers batters down in 5.2 innings.