What's Up Tonight in MLB: Tigers attempt to snap 7-game slide; A-Rod continues pursuit of milestones

June is when the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders and look to build some momentum heading into the All-Star break. The first weekend of the month is packed with interesting storylines to follow, so here's what you need to be watching:

A-Rod continues to chase history

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez has been deadlocked in a tie with Barry Bonds for second on the all-time RBI list with 1,996 since May 28, but will have a chance to take sole possession of second over the course of a three-game set with the Los Angeles Angels in the Bronx. Rodriguez, however, has a long way to go in order to catch Hank Aaron (2,297 RBIs) to become the all-time leader.

A-Rod is also only 13 hits shy of the illustrious 3,000 plateau, and can set himself up to reach the mark next week with a couple of multi-hit performances over the weekend. He's off to a slow start in June, recording only one hit in 11 at-bats with three walks.

Tigers attempt to snap longest losing streak since 2011

The Tigers are riding a seven-game losing streak heading into Chicago for a three-game set with the White Sox. The skid is the team's longest since 2011, and the club has not dropped more than seven straight since an eight-game losing streak in 2005. Slugger Yoenis Cespedes is dealing with the flu, but speedy outfielder Rajai Davis should be back from the paternity list in time for the series.

Reinforcements will be on the way soon, as righty Justin Verlander (triceps) and designated hitter Victor Martinez are getting close to returning. Verlander is set to make another rehab start Saturday in the minors, while Martinez could return to the big club next week as he continues to rehab his ailing knee.

The Tigers are now only one game above .500 (28-27) and trail the Minnesota Twins by five games in the American League Central.

Dodgers and Cardinals clash in four-game series

The two best clubs in the National League are clashing for their second series in Los Angeles, with the Cardinals taking the opener of the four-game set with a 7-1 victory Thursday night. St. Louis now leads the season series 3-1, but will have to contend with the Dodgers' top arms over the weekend. Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke are scheduled to take the hill Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

The Cardinals (36-18) own the best record in the bigs, while the Dodgers (31-23) hold a slim 1 1/2-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for top spot in the National League West.