By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Joc Pederson returned to the lineup as the LA Dodgers (40-25) beat the host Cleveland Indians, 7-5. Pederson — batting eighth in the lineup — was 0-for-4 with a walk.

Ian Kinsler singled in five trips to the plate and scored a run, but the Detroit Tigers lost to the visiting Diamondbacks, 7-6, when Arizona scored a run in the ninth to break a 6-6 tie. The Tigers (30-33) scored all their runs in the sixth to even the score. No doubt their disappointing season to date has created a bit on tension for manager Brad Ausmus.

Alex Bregman was 1-for-3 in the Houston Astros’ 4-2 loss to the visiting Texas Rangers. The ‘Stros (44-22) still have the best record in the Majors but they’ve hit a bit of a bump in the road, losing six of their last 10 games.

Kevin Pillar was 0-for-5 with two strikeouts as the Toronto Blue Jays (31-33) lost to the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, 6-1. He did make another nice defensive play.

Scott Feldman had his regular meh game, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings as the Cincinnati Reds (29-35) lost to the host San Diego Padres, 6-2. He struck out six in taking the loss to even his record at 5-5.

Richard Bleier pitched a scoreless inning of relief, giving up a hit and a walk as the Baltimore Orioles (31-32) lost to the host Chicago White Sox, 6-1. He is becoming a “go-to” guy for the O’s, with a 1.83 ERA is 15 appearances (although ERA for short relievers aren’t very good indicators).

The Minnesota Twins (33-28) — without the service of Craig Breslow — obliterated the visiting Seattle Mariners (32-34), 20-7. Danny Valencia was 1-for-4 with his 34th RBI (32nd in the AL).

Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers) remains on the DL.

After Valencia homered off Breslow, I’ll be revising my Jewish Home Run List. It’s just a spreadsheet but if anyone is interested, drop me a line at kaplanskorner@gmail.com.

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