The Tigers beat the Giants in 10 innings on Sunday and sit just one game out of the final AL Wild Card spot. Detroit has the best run differential in the American League.
1. Lara’s glove leads Brewers to victory
Milwaukee knocked off Minnesota in extra innings yesterday to earn a series win. Outfielder Luis Lara went 0-for-4 in the matchup, but he made a pair of spectacular defensive plays to keep the game tied. The rookie snagged a Brooks Lee drive in the sixth inning, negating what would’ve been at least a double, and perhaps a go-ahead home run (video link via the Brewers on X). Lara then leapt into the wall to secure a Kody Clemens shot in the 10th inning (video link also from the Brewers on X), keeping the Twins off the board and setting the stage for Jake Bauers‘ walk-off single. The Brewers are now 9-3 in extra innings, the best winning percentage in the league.
2. Blue Jays play extras again
Toronto’s matchup also went beyond regulation on Sunday, as the Blue Jays fell to the Phillies in 12 innings. It was the club’s fourth extra-inning game in five days. The Blue Jays bullpen did a solid job keeping it together during this stretch, even after Jeff Hoffman was shipped out at the deadline, with unheralded options like Lazaro Estrada and Brendon Little stepping up in big spots. The problem is that the unit is completely fried heading into a series against the Red Sox. It doesn’t get any easier from there, with the Blue Jays facing the Yankees twice and the Rays in upcoming series. Toronto might need to lean heavily on new addition Jameson Taillon on Monday. The club could also make a move to call up a fresh arm.
3. Soroka makes his return
The Diamondbacks are expected to get right-hander Michael Soroka back tonight against the Rockies. The veteran went down near the end of June with a glute strain. Soroka was pitching well before the injury, allowing two earned runs or fewer in eight of nine starts since the beginning of May. He was a stabilizing force in a rotation that has dealt with injuries and poor performance this season. Arizona already sent Kohl Drake down, paving the way for Soroka to assume his rotation spot. Soroka threw 57 pitches over four innings in his lone rehab outing, so Monday’s appearance will likely be somewhat abbreviated.
Photo courtesy of Michael McLoone, Imagn Images