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Associated Press 9y

LEADING OFF: Shields-Bumgarner; Price vs Kluber on tap

MLB, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins

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

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MARQUEE MATCHUP

San Francisco's Madison Bumgarner, the MVP of the World Series, and San Diego's James Shields, who lost twice to MadBum in the Fall Classic, are scheduled to start against each other. "It's hard to be believe it's happening already, this early in the season," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "It was maybe six games ago in the World Series. It's good for baseball." Shields, then with Kansas City, lost to Bumgarner in Games 1 and 5. Shields signed with San Diego in the offseason.

PAIR OF ACES

Two of baseball's best pitchers square off in Cleveland as Tigers lefty David Price matches up with reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber. They both had stellar outings in their season debuts. "If I was a fan, I would buy a ticket," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "I wish it was Kluber versus a Single-A guy, but it's not."

WELCOME HOME

Jeff Samardzija makes his first home start for the White Sox when they play Minnesota. He was one of Chicago's big offseason acquisitions, but struggled in a season-opening loss at Kansas City. Mike Pelfrey starts for the Twins -- he replaced the suspended Ervin Santana in the rotation.

SECOND CHANCE

Back in the Orioles rotation after a miserable season, right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez will be looking for a fresh start against Toronto. Jimenez signed a $50 million, four-year contract in February 2014, then went 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA. "I didn't show anything at all last year. It was a tough season," he acknowledged. A

FINDING THAT FORM

Phillies ace Cole Hamels looks to regain his winning form against the Nationals. The left-hander dominated Washington prior to last season, going 15-6 with a 2.58 ERA in 28 starts. But he was 0-2 in four starts against the NL East champions in 2014.

FINE PITCHER

Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart makes his season debut when he starts vs. Tampa Bay. He was fined by Major League Baseball during spring training for placing illegal sports bets, but its investigation didn't find any evidence that he'd gambled on baseball.

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