UNDATED (AP) – The race for the two wild card spots in the AL playoffs is a close one. Baltimore and Tampa Bay are tied for the lead. Detroit is just a game off the pace, while Oakland is 1 1/2 games back and L.A. is 2 1/2 out. The Orioles host the Tigers, the Rays are at the Angels and the Athletics are home to Cleveland.
Also in the AL this evening, Central leader Chicago brings a three-game winning streak into its outing at Kansas City, league leader New York opens a home series against rival Boston, Toronto hosts West-leading Texas and Minnesota plays at Seattle.
The Washington Nationals bring baseball’s best record into tonight’s home game against New York. The Nationals have won eight of 10 to improve to 73-45.
Elsewhere around the NL, Central leader Cincinnati is home to Chicago, L.A. brings a one-half game lead over San Francisco in the West race into its contest in Atlanta, the Giants are at San Diego, Houston is home to Arizona, Pittsburgh plays at St. Louis, Philadelphia is at Milwaukee and Colorado entertains Miami.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) – Michigan defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins has been hospitalized for precautionary reasons and evaluation after injuring his neck.
Wolverines coach Brady Hoke released a statement Friday morning saying Pipkins had movement in all of his extremities.
The 6-foot-3, 340-pound Pipkins is a highly touted freshman from Kansas City, Mo.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Manchester United has signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal on a four-year deal, one day before the start of the Premier League season.
The Netherlands striker agreed to personal terms and passed a medical examination Friday to complete a transfer that is believed to have cost United about 24 million pounds ($38 million).
Van Persie was the division’s top scorer last season with 30 goals, helping Arsenal finish third and qualify for the Champions League despite the team’s dreadful start.
His departure means Arsenal has lost its captain to a major European rival for the second straight preseason, after Cesc Fabregas left for Barcelona in 2011.
Van Persie should make his debut for United in Monday’s match at Everton.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Baltimore at Detroit 6:05 p.m.
Boston at N-Y Yankees 6:05 p.m.
Texas at Toronto 6:07 p.m.
Chi White Sox at Kansas City 7:10 p.m.
Cleveland at Oakland 9:05 p.m.
Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels 9:05 p.m.
Minnesota at Seattle 9:10 p.m.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
N-Y Mets at Washington 6:05 p.m.
Chi Cubs at Cincinnati 6:10 p.m.
L.A. Dodgers at Atlanta 6:35 p.m.
Arizona at Houston 7:05 p.m.
Philadelphia at Milwaukee 7:10 p.m.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis 7:15 p.m.
Miami at Colorado 7:40 p.m. (LISTEN LIVE on ESPN Radio 1410)
San Francisco at San Diego 9:05 p.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON
Tennessee at Tampa Bay 6:30 p.m.
Buffalo at Minnesota 7:00 p.m.
Detroit at Baltimore 7:00 p.m.
Jacksonville at New Orleans 7:00 p.m.
Miami at Carolina 7:00 p.m.
Oakland at Arizona 9:00 p.m.