A look at what's happening all around the major leagues Thursday:
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FERNANDEZ ON THE MOUND
Marlins ace Jose Fernandez is set to face hitter for the first time since having Tommy John surgery nearly a year ago. He hopes to throw 15 pitches in the session at Miami's spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida.
CENTRAL SHOWDOWN
Alfredo Simon looks to improve to 5-0 when the Tigers open a four-game series against the AL Central rival Royals. Detroit was 13-6 against Kansas City last year in winning the division. This is the first meeting between the teams this year.
BORROWED TIME?
Chris Sale, who has appealed his five-game suspension for his role in a brawl with the Royals, is scheduled to try for his third win four starts when the White Sox face Minnesota. This will be the first game in front of paying customers for the White Sox in four days. Their first two games in Baltimore were postponed and the third against the Orioles was played in an empty ballpark because of safety concerns in the city.
WILL HOME BE AS SWEET?
The Astros head home to face Seattle after an 8-1 West Coast trip gave them the best road record in the majors, 10-2. Scott Feldman starts for the AL West leaders. Left-hander James Paxton starts for the Mariners.