A look at what’s happening around the majors today:
Surging Sox
The major league-best Boston Red Sox look for their 15th win in 18 games as they host the Texas Rangers in the middle game of their series. The Red Sox, who lead the second-place Yankees by 2 1/2 games in the AL East, send Hector Velazquez (6-0, 2.76 ERA) against the Rangers’ Yovani Gallardo (3-0, 8.17). Boston’s J.D. Martinez is 10 for 23 with three homers, eight runs scored and 10 RBIs the last five games.
Home cooking
The Tampa Bay Rays will try for their 13th win in 14 games at home when they host the Detroit Tigers in the middle game of their series.