A look at what’s happening around the majors today:
MIDSUMMER SKID
The Nationals open a series against Miami hoping to end a five-game skid and get back to .500. Washington fell to 42-43 with a loss to Boston on Wednesday 49ers Game Jerseys , the first time the preseason NL East favorites have been under .500 this late in the year since being 60-61 on Aug. 21, 2015. The Nationals held a players’ only meeting after a 3-0 loss to the Red Sox highlighted by Adam Eaton’s throwing error and a wild pitch from Ryan Madson. Jeremy Hellickson (2-1, 2.63) makes his second start since returning from the DL, while Marlins righty Pablo Lopez (1-0, 3.00) makes his second MLB start.
NOT VERY VERLANDER
Justin Verlander (9-4, 2.12) tries to stop a personal slide when the Astros open a series against the White Sox. Verlander has allowed nine runs in 11 2/3 innings over his past two starts, taking losses to Toronto (four runs) and Tampa Bay (five runs). Verlander hasn’t allowed four or more earned runs in three straight starts since June 2014 while with Detroit. Carlos Rodon (1-3 Seahawks Game Jerseys , 4.55) is up for Chicago.
CUETO’S BACK
Johnny Cueto is expected to be reinstated from the disabled list and pitch when the Giants open a four-game series against the Cardinals. Cueto was placed on the disabled list May 1 with inflammation in his right elbow. A few days later, he visited Dr. James Andrews, who diagnosed him with a strained elbow. Cueto is 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA in five starts this season. The Giants are 41-21 in his starts since he joined the team in 2016.
PITCHING IN
Angels rookie Jaime Barria will start against AL West-leading Seattle in place of Tyler Skaggs a day after the left-hander went on the DL with a thigh strain. Barria is making his 12th start of the season and has given up two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. Lefty Marco Gonzales (8-5, 3.77) makes his first start since pitching the first complete game of his career in a 4-1 win over Kansas City.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Joe Mauer needs one double to give him 415 in his career, which would break a tie with Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett for the Twins’ franchise record. Minnesota has lost six straight and returns home from a 1-8 trip to play Baltimore, which has the worst record in the majors at 24-61. More good news for the scuffling Twins: Two-time All-Star Ervin Santana (right middle finger surgery) is scheduled to make his next rehab appearance for Class A Fort Myers.
—
The Latest on the trial of Ronald Gasser, charged in the 2016 shooting death of former NFL player Joe McKnight (all times local):
9:15 p.m.
Prosecutors in a New Orleans suburb say they are satisfied with the manslaughter verdict returned by the jury against the man who shot former NFL player Joe McKnight to death.
Fifty-six-year-old Ronald Gasser had been charged with second-degree murder Buccaneers Game Jerseys , which carries a life sentence. The lesser manslaughter charge could mean anywhere from zero to 40 years in prison. Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick said justice was served. Two assistants who tried the case said they respect the Friday night verdict and added that the McKnight family was happy.
State District Judge Ellen Kovach set a sentencing date of March 15.
Jurors deliberated roughly 7+ hours before returning the verdict in the road-rage shooting case. The killing happened in December 2016. Defense attorney Matthew Goetz said he would appeal.
—
8 p.m.
A jury in suburban New Orleans has found Ronald Gasser guilty of manslaughter in the 2016 shooting death of former NFL running back Joe McKnight.
Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 40 years.
Gasser shot McKnight after what prosecutors said was a road rage incident that included aggressive driving along a 5 mile (8 kilometer) route.
Prosecutors told jurors Friday the evidence shows Gasser angrily pursued McKnight and shot him from inside his own car.
A defense lawyer said McKnight was the aggressor throughout and that Gasser fired in self-defense, fearing McKnight would come through his passenger window.
—
4 p.m.
Jurors in the trial of the man who shot former NFL running back Joe McKnight have asked the judge questions about how Louisiana law defines an ”aggressor” and the state’s ”stand your ground” laws.
Closing arguments wrapped up Friday morning in the second-degree murder trial of Ronald Gasser. Jurors began deliberating about 12:30 p.m.
Gasser shot McKnight after what prosecutors say was a road rage incident that included aggressive driving along a 5 mile (8 kilometer) route.
Prosecutors told jurors Friday that the evidence shows Gasser angrily pursued McKnight and shot him from inside his own car.
A defense lawyer said McKnight was the aggressor throughout and Gasser fired in self-defense, fearing McKnight was about to attack him through his passenger window.
—
Noon
Jurors will soon be deciding the fate of the man who killed former NFL running back Joe McKnight.
Closing arguments were wrapped up Friday morning in the second-degree murder trial of Ronald Gasser. Jurors were awaiting their final instructions from the judge. They were expected to begin deliberations in the afternoon.
Gasser shot McKnight after what prosecutors said was a road rage incident that included aggressive driving along a five mile route.
Prosecutors told jurors Friday the evidence shows Gasser angrily pursued McKnight and shot him from inside his own car.
A defense lawyer said McKnight was the aggressor throughout and that Gasser fired in self-defense, fearing McKnight would come through his passenger window.