MLB Player News

Junk pitched 3 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, but loaded the bases with one out in the fourth. After putting Luis Rengifo on first via an HBP, Junk then allowed a single to Garrett Mitchell, which scored Gary Sanchez from third. An RBI by Greg Jones on a fielder’s choice, followed by Rengifo coming around to score on a throwing error, suddenly gave the Brewers a 3-0 lead. Junk would return to pitch a scoreless fifth and was pulled with one out in the sixth inning after walking Jake Bauers and allowing an RBI double to Rengifo to bring home Bauers on the next at-bat. Junk has allowed three earned runs or fewer in three of his four starts. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Díaz extended Tampa Bay’s early lead with an RBI single in the second inning before smashing his 13th round-tripper of the season off Yankees starter Will Warren in the fourth. It was his first time leaving the yard since June 8. The 34-year-old on-base machine has looked a bit off since dealing with a shoulder issue a couple weeks ago. It certainly feels like he’ll benefit from some extra rest during the upcoming All-Star break.

Rice took Rays lefty Ian Seymour deep with an opposite-field shot in the third inning. It was his 26th long ball of the season and second consecutive contest with a round-tripper. The 27-year-old appears to be warming up just in time for next week’s All-Star Home Run Derby.

Goldschmidt has gone 0-for-30 over his last nine games dating back to June 26. The 38-year-old veteran was an unexpected revelation for the Yankees in the early portion of the year, but he’s really scuffling heading into the All-Star break.

Baker got the call to protect a two-run lead in the final frame and managed to work around a two-out single from Ali Sánchez to preserve the victory. The unheralded 31-year-old is headed to his first All-Star Game next week after converting 24 saves to go along with a 1.78 ERA and 38/11 K/BB ratio over 35 1/3 innings this season. He’s been one of the most impactful waiver wire additions of the entire first half for fantasy managers.

It’s fair to say that Seymour probably should’ve been in Tampa Bay’s season-opening rotation instead of pitching out of the bullpen. The 27-year-old southpaw isn’t overpowering, instead relying on command and pitch sequencing, mixing his sweeper, four-seamer and changeup to keep hitters off balance. He did that to near perfection against a suddenly struggling Yankees lineup in this one, generating an eye-popping 17 swinging strikes and allowing just four batted balls with exit velocities over 95 mph. His lone mistake was a sinker that he left over the plate that Ben Rice took the opposite way for a three-run shot in the third inning. He’s allowed three earned runs or fewer in six consecutive outings since June 8. He’ll get the ball for Sunday’s first-half finale against the Mariners. Needless to say, Seymour should be rostered in all fantasy formats until further notice.

Warren gave up seven hits, including three home runs to wind up being saddled with a loss at Tropicana Field. He coughed up a solo shot to Victor Mesa Jr. before surrendering back-to-back blasts to Hunter Feduccia and Yandy Díaz in the fourth. He struck out three and also issued three walks. It goes down as his third clunker in his last four starts since June 20. He’ll try to end on a high note when he gets the ball for Sunday’s first-half finale against the Nationals.

Joyce is working his way back from last year’s shoulder surgery and a setback that stalled his rehabilitation process in mid-May. The flame-throwing 25-year-old high-leverage reliever should be ready to return to Los Angeles’ bullpen at some point in the second half.

Goodman said he jammed his wrist during Monday’s game on a play at the plate. He’ll undergo further evaluation and possibly imaging to determine the severity of the issue. The 26-year-old All-Star backstop was in Colorado’s initial lineup at DH but has since been replaced by Mickey Moniak. He’s had a phenomenal first half, launching 27 home runs in 85 games. There should be some additional clarity on his status at some point this week.

Jobe hit triple digits with a pair of fastballs, according to MLB.com’s Jason Beck. The 23-year-old former top prospect threw 24 of 32 pitches for strikes in his first rehab outing since last year’s Tommy John surgery. He’ll need a handful of additional starts to continue building up his pitch count and stamina before he’s an option for Detroit’s pitching staff. He figures to be ready to contribute at some point during the second half.

It’s a reassuring update after Ohtani dealt with a right biceps issue last week. The 32-year-old two-way superstar struck out nine and allowed three runs over six innings against the Padres last Friday before exiting that contest with biceps tightness. Roberts added that he doesn’t anticipate Ohtani participating in the All-Star Home Run Derby or pitching in next week’s Midsummer Classic, but could see him getting an at-bat or two in the contest.