Athletics at Brewers
Bartolo Colon has been the best pitcher for the Oakland Athletics this season, but the veteran right-hander could be distracted in Wednesday's series finale against the host Milwaukee Brewers. Colon was among 20 players mentioned in a report by ESPN's "Outside The Lines" who could be facing suspension for their alleged involvement with the Biogenesis clinic in Miami. Colon was suspended 50 games last year for testing positive for testosterone.
Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun, the 2011 National League MVP, was also mentioned prominently in ESPN's report. Braun told reporters after Tuesday's game that he had not read the story - which suggested Major League Baseball will seek to suspend him 100 games - but maintained "the truth hasn't changed." Milwaukee is seeking back-to-back series wins for the first time since April 19-24.
TV: 2:10 p.m ET, No television
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Bartolo Colon (6-2, 3.33 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (4-5, 5.05)
Colon has won three straight starts and is coming off a brilliant performance, tossing a five-hit shutout at the Chicago White Sox. It was the 11th career shutout for the 40-year-old Colon, who ran his scoreless innings streak to 18. Colon has made five career starts against Milwaukee, logging a 2-1 mark with a 4.67 ERA and 1.85 WHIP.
Gallardo halted a four-start losing streak last time out but it was hardly done in impressive fashion. He allowed five runs and served up three homers in 5 2/3 innings of an 8-5 victory at Philadelphia. Gallardo has won 60 games for the Brewers in the past four seasons and his highest season ERA is 3.84 in 2010.
WALK-OFFS
1. Colon has permitted only four walks in 70 1/3 innings.
2. Brewers CF Carlos Gomez has five multi-hit games in his last 10.
3. Athletics reliever Sean Doolittle has allowed at least two runs and three hits in three straight outings after not surrendering a run in his previous 13 appearances.