The 3-2 pitch
Three observations …
• Oakland is sitting pretty right now. The Athletics have the best starter available in righthander Sonny Gray, with a group of motivated buyers led by the Astros and Yankees who have multiple prospects to trade.
• Yankees righthander Luis
Severino hit 101.2 miles per hour with his fastball on Thursday while facing the Mariners. That is major heat for a starting pitcher.
• Eduardo Nunez would be a good fit for the Red Sox. Boston is trying to hang on to the few top prospects it has, but it should not take a lot to land Nunez, who's been playing well for the Giants.
… and two predictions
• Houston will not miss injured Carlos Correa, out until September because of a torn thumb ligament. Marwin Gonzalez, who is having a career year at the plate, will replace him at short. And the Astros' lineup is deep enough to absorb Correa's absence.
