Michael Busch homers, plates three in victory

Weathers allowed six hits and one walk in a no-decision. He was in line for the victory before ninth-inning defensive struggles sent the game to extras. Regardless, the southpaw has been on quite the run. He entered Sunday’s outing with a 2-0 record and a 0.74 ERA over his previous four starts. Acquired from the Marlins this past offseason, Weathers has been a key piece of the Yankees’ strong rotation. He’ll get a rematch with the Blue Jays next time out.

Bednar didn’t allow any hits or earned runs, but a passed ball with runners on base set up an Ernie Clement sac fly to tie the game in the ninth. He had been in line for a five-out save, and the defensive miscue cost Ryan Weathers the victory. Bednar still picked up the win himself once the Yankees came out on top in extras. He’s performed well in the closer role this season and will remain the favorite for save chances in the Bronx.

Cease allowed two hits and three walks. He became the first American League pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts this season, a mark he has hit in six consecutive campaigns. The last two pitchers to accomplish that feat were Max Scherzer and Chris Sale. Cease has been on a roll, and the AL Cy Young race between him and Cam Schlittler is getting tight. Up next is a rematch against the Yankees, this time in the Bronx.

Rice entered Sunday hitting .091 in 13 games this month. The most troubling aspect of this slump is a strikeout rate north of 30%. He only struck out once this afternoon, and the homer goes a long way toward easing concerns about his rest-of-season outlook. Rice got off to such a strong start that his second-half struggles have been waved away somewhat. It hasn’t helped that the entire Yankee lineup has scuffled for most of the summer. Cody Bellinger is at least beginning a rehab assignment this week, though the potential return of Aaron Judge is what will truly make this lineup scary again.