Noah

Cameron

And he didn’t manage to win the game, somehow, because baseball’s funny like that. Cameron was through six innings with a no-hitter but allowed a dunk single in front of an outfielder to Ryan Jeffers. No matter, Cameron went right back to dominating as he got six straight outs to end his start. Like his start last week, Cameron showed a tick higher on his fastball (maxing at 94.9 mph) and managed a 33 percent whiff rate. Things have looked much better for him of late. He also gets the Twins again next week, so assuming Byron Buxton is still out, that should be another tasty matchup.

Unfortunately for Cameron, Beck Way opened and gave up two of the game’s three runs with Tarik Skubal lurking on the other side. Cameron struck out eight and looked as good as we’ve seen him all season, with a 40 percent whiff rate and his average velocity up a few ticks across the board. There’s not really a great reason to get excited about firing up Cameron against the Twins next week given how his season has gone, but maybe he’s turning a corner at the right time.

It sounds like the Royals might use an opener in front of Cameron, though assuming it’s a right-hander, that will just invite the Tigers to stack lefties at the top of the order. Assuming the Royals follow through with the idea, it’d be Cameron’s first relief appearance after 43 starts to begin his major league career.

At least that’s better than the 12 runs the Royals gave up in four innings after Cameron departed. Cameron, who fanned 16 over 12 innings in his final two starts of the first half, struck out just one of the 26 batters he faced today. He’s given up at least five runs and taken a loss in four of his last five starts, leaving him 5-8 with a 5.27 ERA this season. Still, his rotation spot is most likely safe. He’ll face the Tigers next weekend.

Cameron gave up five hits, walked two and struck out nine. He fell to 5-7 with the loss. Cameron was done in by the long ball as four of the five runs he allowed came on three of the home runs he allowed. He’s now allowed 13 home runs in 95 2/3 innings (1.22 HR/9). Cameron takes a 4.89 ERA into the All-Star break, though his 4.15 xFIP points to better starts ahead in the second half.

The Phillies had runners on against Cameron in every inning, loading the bases in both the first and second, but they couldn’t break through. In all, Cameron allowed six hits and walked five. Somehow, he gave up the two farthest-hit balls of the game, doubles from Alec Bohm (414 feet) and Trea Turner (406 feet), even as the Royals outhomered the Phillies 4-0. Encouraging was that Cameron’s fastball velocity was back up to 92.7 mph today. He’s averaged 92.4 mph this year, but he was down to 91.3 mph while giving up six runs to the Rays last time out. He improved to 5-6 with a 4.77 ERA ahead of his final start of the first half Saturday against the Orioles.

Cameron gave up a pair of homers, and one of those was a three-run blast to Junior Caminero. Even without the roundtrippers it was another poor outing for the southpaw, and he allowed 11 runs in his two outings against Tampa Bay over the past week. Cameron has shown flashes in his young career, but he has to show more consistency — and more bat-missing ability — to trust as a fantasy option. He has another tough test Monday against the Phillies.

Cameron’s command eluded him in this start. His fastball was erratic and couldn’t find the zone. So, he eventually turned to his cutter – which was hit hard – and he struggled to spot both his changeup and curveball too. Really, he had next to nothing working and paid the price for it. Following this outing, he now has a 4.50 ERA and 1.33 WHIP through 80 innings so far this season. Next up he is scheduled to face the Rays again at home next week.

That’s what happens when your offense provides you with 11 runs of early support. Cameron struck out six batters on the night while issuing a pair of walks. They scratched out a pair of runs against him in the top half of the first inning, then Cameron settled in until giving up RBI singles to Jordan Walker and Jose Fermin in the fourth and fifth respectively. The 26-year-old southpaw got 14 whiffs on 108 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 31 percent. He’ll carry a 4.20 ERA and 1.27 WHIP into Wednesday’s matchup against the Rays in Tampa Bay.

Cameron didn’t give up a lot of hard contact tonight, but he did allow a pair of homers, both of which immediately followed singles to become two-run shots. Cameron still has a 2.62 ERA and a 32/3 K/BB in 34 1/3 innings over his last six starts. He’ll pitch at home against the Cardinals next week.