What we're watching: Carpenter vs. Haeger - MLB

– Francisco Liriano will attempt to build on a strong effort against the Royals when he faces the AL wild card-leading Rangers in Texas. It will be his second start in Arlington in a month, as he allowed three runs — two earned — in six innings in a no-decision on July 19. The Rangers will counter with Tommy Hunter, who just shut out the Indians for 7 2/3 innings last time out. The 2007 supplemental first-round pick is 5-2 with a 2.26 ERA.

– Ted Lilly will rejoin the Cubs’ rotation tonight after missing four starts due to left shoulder inflammation and a knee injury that required minor surgery. It looks like he’ll be able to ease back into action against a Padres team that has been especially weak against left-handers (.229/.300/.368). Lilly is 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA against San Diego in his career.

Game of the Night

St. Louis vs. Los Angeles – The NL’s two winningest teams will begin a three-game series with a rather lopsided pitching matchup. Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter is 12-3 with a 2.27 ERA that ranks second in the majors. Dodgers knuckleballer Charlie Haeger is 1-2 with a 6.35 ERA in a career that includes one start and 18 relief appearances. It will be his debut for the team after he went 11-6 with a very impressive 3.55 ERA for Triple-A Albuquerque. Away from the offensive paradise the Isotopes play in half of the time, he had a 2.44 ERA.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.