By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Mazel of the Day: Ian Kinsler returned to action after some hamstring problems and went 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored to help the Detroit Tigers (17-16) to a 7-1 decision over the host LA Angels. He also made his first error of the season, but we won’t dwell on that, especially in light of this play.

Alex Bregman singled and doubled in four at-bats as the Houston Astros held off the host NY Yankees, 3-2. The Astros own the best record in the Majors at 24-11. There was a nice story in the NY Daily News about why Bregman wears #2 on his jersey.

Kevin Pillar was 1-3 with a walk and scored twice as the Toronto Blue Jays (14-21) beat Danny Valencia and the visiting Seattle Mariners (17-18), 7-1. Valencia was 1-for-3 in defeat. Will Pillar have to compete for the title of Superman with Sam Fuld? This story indicates the St. Louis Cardinals are showing interest in Super Sam. (H/T to Ephraim Moxson).

Joc Pederson led off once again for the LA Dodgers (20-15), who fell to the host Colorado Rockies, 10-7. Pederson was 1-for-4 with a walk.

Ryan Braun did not appear for the Milwaukee Brewers (18-17), who lost to the visiting Boston Red Sox, 4-1. After missing several games due to an arm problem, he’s now on the shelf because of a calf issue which may be serious enough to warrant a stint on the disabled list.

Craig Breslow did not appear for the Minnesota Twins (17-14) in their 7-6 win over the host Chicago White Sox.

Scott Feldman — coming off one of the best games of his career — takes the hill for the Cincinnati Reds (19-15) as they visit the San Francisco Giants.

Ron Kaplan (@RonKaplanNJ) hosts Kaplan’s Korner, a blog about Jews and sports. He is the author of three books, including The Jewish Olympics: The History of the Maccabiah Games and the forthcoming Hank Greenberg in 1938: Hatred and Home Runs in the Shadow of War.

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