Jewish Baseball News

By Scott Barancik, Editor

Here are your minor-league highlights from the week of July 10-16, 2017:

Jewish Baseball News Hitter of the Week: Ryan Gold

C Ryan Gold (Blue Jays/rookie) hit .438 (7-for-16) with a double, 2 walks and 5 RBIs last week. His 21 RBIs are tied for the Applachian League lead, and he’s accumulated them in just 50 at-bats.

Jewish Baseball News Pitcher of the Week: Brandon Gold

• P Brandon Gold (Rockies/A), a second-year prospect enjoying his first season as a starter, pitched 7 shutout innings for his second win on July 15, giving up 4 hits and zero walks. His 8 strikeouts tied a career high.

Other highlights

• LF Blake Gailen* (Angels/AA) hit just .231 (3-for-13) last week but made every hit count, driving in 5 runs, homering and doubling, and drawing 4 walks. His 3-run home run came off Team Israel teammate Jake Kalish.
• P Andy Rohloff (Giants/rookie), a 2017 draftee, tossed 3.1 scoreless innings across 2 appearances, yielding 2 hits and a walk while striking out 4.
• P Jordan Scheftz (Indians/rookie), a 2017 draftee and Rohloff’s teammate at the University of Central Florida, tossed 2.1 scoreless innings across 2 games, yielding 2 hits and a walk while striking out one.
• C Michael Barash (Angels/High-A) hit .300 (3-for-10) with a home run, double, 4 RBIs and 2 walks.
• CF Braden Bishop (Mariners/High-A) hit .316 (6-for-19) with 2 doubles, 3 walks and 2 RBIs.
• C Garrett Stubbs (Astros/AA) had the third 4-hit game of his career on July 10, hitting 2 doubles and 2 singles while driving in 3 runs.
• 1B Rowdy Tellez (Blue Jays/AAA) hit .333 (5-for-15) with 3 doubles and a walk.
• 2B Adam Walton (Diamondbacks/A) hit .316 (6-for-19) with 2 doubles, 2 walks and one RBI.
• RF Rhett Wiseman (Nationals/High-A) hit .381 (8-for-21) with 2 RBIs and 2 walks.
• P Jeremy Bleich* (Dodgers/AAA) was nearly perfect in a 4-inning relief appearance on July 14, yielding one hit and no walks while striking out one. Since being promoted to Triple-A, Bleich is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA. He leads all Pacific League pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched in strikeout-to-walk ratio (23:1) and walks and hits per innings (0.63).
• P Jake Fishman (Blue Jays/A-short-season) pitched 5 scoreless innings across 2 games, yielding 3 hits and no walks while striking out 6.
• P Dean Kremer* (Dodgers/High-A) pitched 5 scoreless innings of relief across 2 games, yielding 2 hits and one walk while striking out 7 and earning 2 saves.
• P Ryan Sherriff* (Cardinals/AAA) has held opponents scoreless in six consecutive relief appearances. His 0.95 WHIP ranks fourth among Pacific Coast League pitchers with at least 40 innings under their belt.
• P Zack Weiss (Reds/AA) held opponents scoreless in three one-inning relief stints.

Transactions

• P Corey Baker* (Cardinals/AA) was inexplicably released by St. Louis on July 11 after going 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA and a perfect 6 saves in 6 chances this season. He pitched in the Texas League All-Star Game in late June.
• P Jared Lakind* (Marlins/A), who was released by the Pirates on July 7, signed a minor-league contract with Miami on July 13.
• P Jason Richman (Dodgers/High-A), released by the Texas Rangers in May, signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 16. He joins Dean Kremer on the roster of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
• LF Jake Thomas (Blue Jays/AA) was promoted from High-A to Double-A.
• P Craig Breslow (Twins) is doing a rehab assignment with Minnesota’s Triple-A club.
• C Ryan Lavarnway* (Athletics/AAA) was sent outright to the A’s Triple-A club.
• LF Mike Meyers (Red Sox/High-A) came off the disabled list on July 15.
• P Troy Neiman* (Rockies/AA) came off the disabled list on July 13.
• 1B Ike Davis* (Dodgers/AAA) entered the disabled list on July 10.
• C Adam Sonabend (Giants/A) entered the disabled list on July 12.

Free agents

• Players believed to be seeking employment include former major leaguer Sam Fuld* and minor leaguer Corey Baker*.

Disabled list

• C Adam Sonabend (Giants/A), since July 12.
• 1B Ike Davis* (Dodgers/AAA), since July 10.
• P Gabe Cramer* (Royals/High-A), since May 26.
• P Rob Kaminsky (Indians/AA), since April 19.
• P Jake Drossner (Brewers/A), since April 12.
• P Jon Moscot (Reds/AAA), since April 6.

Note to readers: Minor-League Monday does not include stats for all current Jewish minor-leaguers. Click here for a complete list of players, and then click on a player’s name to be taken to his stat page.

Members of Team Israel’s 2017 squad are marked with an asterisk.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Welcome back. Hope you had a nice long All-Star Break. For me the actual ASG was kind of meh. Call me old-fashioned, but what I didn’t like was the on-field interview (interviews? I only saw one) during the game (albeit in-between innings) and that business with the batter giving the catcher his cell phone to take a photo with the umpire. Yes, I know this is an exhibition game, but if I want to see that kind of stuff, I’ll watch the celebrity softball game.

Anyway, back to business…

Ryan Braun must have felt rested. He launched a grand slam on Friday to cap an eight-run inning in a 9-6 win for the Milwaukee Brewers over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies (see below). All told, Braun was 3-for-10 for the weekend. The home run — his sixth career grand salami — was his 11th of the year. He also stole his fifth base. The Brewers took two of three to move 10 games over .500, at 52-42.

Danny Valencia was 3-13 as the Seattle Mariners (46-47) swept the host Chicago White Sox. All three were extra bases hits: two doubles (14) and his 10th home run, which was good for three RBIs to tie yesterday’s game in the fourth inning.

Ian Kinsler walked to lead off the game for the Detroit Tigers (41-49) vs. the visiting Toronto Blue Jays (42-49) yesterday. He then stole second and scored the team’s first run, en route to a 6-5, 11-inning contest. That was the highlight of the weekend for Kinsler, who was 1-for-8 with two walks in two games (he did not appear in Friday’s 7-2 loss). With the Tigers falling farther and farther, trade rumors have picked up, but since he’s been slumping so much, who would be interested?

Kevin Pillar was 1-for-10 with two runs scored and an RBI for the Jays.

Joc Pederson was 4-for-10, including two doubles (14) as the LA Dodgers (64-29) swept the host Miami Marlins. Pederson entered Sunday’s game as a pinch hitter in the seventh and flied out. He had one subsequent at-bat.

Alex Bregman was 2-for-10 with his 22nd double as the Houston Astros (62-30) took two of three from the visiting Minnesota Twins (46-45). Bregman also walked twice, scored twice, and drove in his 28th run.

Craig Breslow made another rehab appearance, striking out one of the two batters he faced yesterday for the Rochester Red Wings (AAA) in a loss to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

Richard Bleier gave up a hit and struck out one in 2.1 innings on Friday as the visiting Chicago Cubs chased starter Kevin Gausman after just three innings. Could the O’s — who lost all three games to fall to 42-27 — be considering making Bleier a starter? According to a story on MASN.com (thanks to Bob Wechsler for this one):

[Manager Buck] Showalter confirmed that the Orioles have considered the idea of stretching out Richard Bleier as a starter. Bleier’s ERA is down to 1.38 in 32 2/3 innings.

“Certainly it crosses your mind because he can defend himself against right-handed hitters, but I don’t know for sure how that would play right now,” Showalter said. “He’s doing such a good job in that role, I’d hate to mess with it.”

Bleier is getting a decent amount of swings and misses on his cutter and he’s incorporating a changeup.

“He’s deceptive,” Showalter said. “If you watch his delivery, he’s one of the few guys who lands on his toes on the ball of his foot and doesn’t come off it. Most people go toe-heel. He goes toe and stays on it. That’s really unusual. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pitcher do that, but it works.”

Though Bleier worked 2 1/3 innings last night, Showalter said it wouldn’t surprise him if the left-hander insisted that he could pitch tonight if needed.

“We’d like to stay away from Richard, but one of the things that’s been attractive about him is he’s pretty resilient,” Showalter said. “I bet he’s going to stay that he can give us a hitter or two tonight, but I’d rather not.”

“Stalwart” Scott Feldman gets the start for the Cincinnati Reds today against the visiting Washington Nationals, who have won the first three games of the series. He might make a good pick-up for a team looking for some veteran pitching, perhaps one who scores well to overcome all the runs he gives up.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Alex Bregman had two hits in 11 at-bats for the Houston Astros in the series that began Thursday against the host Toronto Blue Jays, and both hits went for doubles, giving him 21 on the year. The latter came in the Astros’ 19-1 laugher. He also walked twice and scored three runs. Kevin Pillar also was 2-for-11, but only one of those was a double, his 23rd. He did make another nifty catch on an otherwise dismal Sunday (see below). The Astros, at 60-29, how have the second-best record in the Majors.

Danny Valencia stroked three hits —  a double (#12) and two singles — on Friday for the Seattle Mariners in a 7-2 win over the visiting Oakland As. They were his only hits in 10 at-bats over the weekend. He scored four times as the Mariners (43-47) split their four-game series with the A’s (39-50). Ryan Lavarnway started Friday’s game behind the plate and went 0-for-2 before coming out for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning. He was designated for assignment the next day.

Joc Pederson hit a two-run homer on Saturday (his ninth) to get the LA Dodgers — who sport baseball’s best record at 61-29 — on the scoreboard in their 10-inning, 5-4 win over the visiting KC Royals. It was one of two hits he had on the day. Pederson also nailed a runner at the plate in a Statcast-worthy clip. He went 1-for-4 on Friday and did not play in Sunday’s game as the Dodgers completed the sweep.

Ian Kinsler drove in the first run for the Detroit Tigers (39-48), who held off the host Cleveland Indians for a 5-3 win on Sunday. Overall, Kinsler was 3-for-11 with a walk and a run scored as the Tigers lost two of their three-game set.

Richard Bleier finally gave up a run as the Baltimore Orioles (42-46) beat the Minnesota Twins (45-43), 11-5, on Sunday. It was the first run he’s allowed first since June 22, and it was unearned. In fact, Bleier  has given up just one earned run in his last 20 appearances.

According to TwinsDaily.com, “Craig Breslow made his first rehab appearances and saw a runner score after he gave up a walk and a double with two outs.”

Ryan Braun served as the designated hitter in the Milwaukee Brewer’s 9-4 win over the host NY Yankees on Friday. Evidently his calf is still giving him problems, and the Brewers probably didn’t want to tax him too much right before the All-Star break. Braun hit his 11th double, walked, and scored two runs. He did play left field in the following game, going 0-for-4 as the Yankees won on a walk-off home run. And sure enough, he came out of that one with a cramp. Braun was excused from Sunday’s rubber game, won by the Brewers (50-41), 5-3.

Scott Feldman did not appear for the Cincinnati Reds (39-49), who took two of three from the host Arizona Diamondbacks.

As we head into the All-Star break, there have been eleven MOTs who have appeared in a Major League game this season. Unfortunately, many of them have spent time on the disabled list for one reason or another. I’ll go into that in more detail in tomorrow’s entry. Shalom, y’all.

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By Scott Barancik, Editor

Here are your minor-league highlights from the week of July 3-9, 2017:

Jewish Baseball News Hitter of the Week: Zach Borenstein*

LF Zach Borenstein* (Diamondbacks/AAA) hit .417 (10-for-24) with 3 HRs, 4 doubles, 3 walks and 12 RBIs, including a 3-run, go-ahead home run on July 6 that proved the game-winner. So far this season, the 26-year-old Illinois native is hitting .278 with 13 HRs, 47 RBIs, a .372 on-base percentage and a .936 OPS.

Jewish Baseball News Pitcher of the Week: Josh Zeid*

• P Josh Zeid* (Cardinals/AAA) pitched 9 scoreless innings across 2 appearances. In a July 4 relief stint, he yielded 4 hits and no walks over 4.1 innings while striking out 5 and earning the win (teammate Ryan Sherriff* added a scoreless inning). And in a July 9 start, the 30-year-old righty yielded a hit and a walk over 5 innings while striking out 4.

Professional debuts

Two players selected in June’s MLB draft and one signed as an undrafted free agent made their pro debuts last week:

• SS Elliott Barzilli (Marlins/rookie), a 23rd-round pick, went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs on his pro debut July 7, stroking a home run, double and single.
• P Keith Weisenberg (Braves/rookie), a 14th-round pick, pitched 0.2 scoreless innings on July 3, yielding one hit and a walk.
• P Spencer Kulman (Padres/rookie), an undrafted signee, pitched 2 scoreless innings on July 8, yielding 3 hits and no walks while striking out 2.

Season debuts

• P Jake Fishman (Blue Jays/A-short-season), a 2016 draftee, held opponents scoreless in 3 relief appearances last week, yielding 2 hits and 2 walks over 4 combined innings while striking out 6.

Other highlights

• C Ryan Lavarnway* (Athletics/AAA) was called-up to the Majors to fill in for a player who went on paternity leave. He was 0-for-2 on July 7 and then was designated for assignment on July 8.
• 1B Ike Davis* (Dodgers/AAA) hit .364 (4-for-11) with a home run, 3 doubles, a walk and one RBI.
• 1B Cody Decker* (Mets/AAA) hit .400 (4-for-10) with a double, 2 walks and 2 RBIs.
• C Ryan Gold (Blue Jays/rookie) hit .353 (6-for-17) with a triple, home run, walk and 10 RBIs. Since making his season debut on June 22, the 2016 draftee has a team-high 16 RBIs in just 34 at-bats.
• C Mitchell Kranson (Twins/High-A) hit .344 (11-for-32) with a HR, walk and 3 RBIs.
• 2B Adam Walton (Diamondback/A) hit .381 (8-for-21) with a double, triple, home run and 6 RBIs.
• C Andy Yerzy (Diamondbacks/rookie) hit .333 (7-for-21) with a double and 5 RBIs.
• P Corey Baker* (Cardinals/AA) notched 2 saves in 2 appearances, yielding one earned run on 2 hits and no walks over 4.1 combined innings while striking out 6. So far this season, he is 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 6 saves in 6 chances.
• P Brandon Gold (Rockies/High-A) rebounded from a tough July 4 outing (5 IP, 11 H, 7 ER) with a win on July 9, tossing 7 innings of 2-run ball while yielding 7 hits and no walks and striking out 6.
• P Sam Delaplane (Mariners/rookie), a 2017 draftee, has yet to give up an earned run in three relief appearances. Over a combined 6 innings, he has yielded 4 hits and one walk while striking out an impressive 11 batters.
• P Dean Kremer* (Dodgers/High-A) held opponents scoreless in 2 relief appearances, yielding just 2 hits and no walks over 5 combined innings while striking out 5. As a starter this season, Kremer was 0-2 with a 7.06 ERA and gave up 1.85 walks/hits per innings. As a reliever, he’s 1-1 with a 4.55 ERA and is yielding 1.23 walks/hits per inning.
• P Mitchell Osnowitz (Red Sox), who had been on the disabled list since June 10, appeared twice in a rehab assignment with Boston’s A-short-season team. In 1.1 combined innings, he yielded no earned runs, 1 hit and 4 walks while striking out 4.
• P Ryan Sherriff* (Cardinals/AAA) was perfect in three relief appearances and earned one save. Across 3.1 combined innings, he yielded zero hits or walks while striking out 3. Sherriff is holding opposing batters to just 0.95 walks/hits per inning and has given up just 7 walks in 40 innings.
• P Robert Stock (Reds/AA) was nearly perfect in a 3.1-inning relief appearance, yielding one hit and no walks while striking out 4 and picking up his fourth Double-A win this season.
• P Joey Wagman* (Athletics/High-A) held opponents scoreless in 2 relief appearances, yielding 2 hits and a walk over 4 combined innings while striking out 4.

Transactions

• C Ryan Lavarnway* (Athletics/AAA) was called-up to the Majors on July 5 and then was designated for assignment on July 8.
• P Jake Fishman (Blue Jays) was assigned to Toronto’s A-short-season team.
• P Mitchell Osnowitz (Red Sox/A-short-season) came off the disabled list on July 4.
• LF Jake Thomas (Blue Jays/High-A) was demoted from Double-A on July 8. A month before, Toronto had skipped him from Single-A to Double-A.
• P Jared Lakind* (Pirates/Double-A) was released by the Pirates on July 7. He was 1-1 this season with a 6.81 ERA.
• LF Mike Meyers (Red Sox/High-A) joined the disabled list on July 4.
• P Troy Neiman* (Rockies/AA) joined the disabled list on July 4.

Free agents

• Players believed to be seeking employment include former major leaguer Sam Fuld* and minor leaguer Jason Richman.

Disabled list

• LF Mike Meyers (Red Sox/High-A), since July 4.
• P Troy Neiman* (Rockies/AA), since July 3.
• P Gabe Cramer* (Royals/High-A), since May 26.
• P Rob Kaminsky (Indians/AA), since April 19.
• P Jon Moscot (Reds/AAA), since April 6.
• P Jake Drossner (Brewers/A), since April 12.

2017 draft picks

The following players selected in June’s amateur draft are Jewish. The list may grow as additional athletes are verified by Jewish Baseball News and our friends at Jewish Sports Review. Players 1-9 have signed minor-league contracts. Players 10-11 have decided to continue their education rather than sign:

1. Max Lazar (P), Brewers (Round 11, #324)
2. Keith Weisenberg (P), Braves (14/410)
3. Sam Delaplane (P), Mariners (23/693)
4. Jordan Scheftz (P), Indians (23/702)
5. Harrison Simon (P), Padres (24/708)
6. Preston Grand Pre (SS), Dodgers (24/730)
7. Zane Gurwitz (2B), Angels (26/775)
8. Elliott Barzilli (3B), Marlins (32/959)
9. Andy Rohloff (P), Giants (37/1116)
10. Dylan Horvitz (C), White Sox (38/1137)
11. Jacob Hoffman (SS), Athletics (40/1191)

Note to readers: Minor-League Monday does not include stats for all current Jewish minor-leaguers. Click here for a complete list of players, and then click on a player’s name to be taken to his stat page.

Members of Team Israel’s 2017 squad are marked with an asterisk.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Don’t know how I managed to miss posting this yesterday. Apologies. I know you’re all waiting with bated breath…

Kevin Pillar cracked his 10th home run of the year to help the Toronto Blue Jays (39-45) beat the host NY Yankees, 7-6. His shot came in the fourth to give the Jays a 4-2 lead. Pillar also singled and walked in four plate appearances and stole his 12th base. The probability is high that we could have all six position players hitting double-digit homers; all of them have at least eight at this point. Maybe the Jays are looking to deal him someplace?

Ian Kinsler was 2-for-5 and drove in a run, but the Detroit Tigers (37-46) lost to the visiting San Francisco Giants, 5-4. The Tigers scored all their runs in the seventh but couldn’t quite make it all the way.

Ryan Braun singled and scored a run in four at-bats as the Milwaukee Brewers (47-40) shut out the visiting Baltimore Orioles (40-44), 4-0. Richard Bleier did not appear for the O’s.

Alex Bregman was 1-for-4 and walked as the Houston Astros (58-27) beat the host Atlanta Braves, 10-4.

Joc Pederson was 0-for-2 in the LA Dodgers’ 1-0 win over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. He came out for a pinch-hitter in the seventh. The Dodgers (57-29) could only muster four hits, so he was in good company.

Danny Valencia was 0-for-4 with a walk as the Seattle Mariners (41-45) lost in 10 innings to the visiting KC Royals, 9-6.

Ryan Lavarnway, recently called up by Oakland A’s (37-48), did not appear in their 7-4 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Scott Feldman didn’t pitch horribly, but the Cincinnati Reds (36-48) still lost to the host Colorado Rockies, 5-3. Feldman (7-6) gave up four runs on five hits, two of which were home runs. He walked one and struck out six. Maybe the Reds are looking to deal him someplace?

Craig Breslow remains on the disabled list for the Minnesota Twins. He’s scheduled to do some bullpen work today and then appear in a rehab game on Sunday. The Twins (43-41) lost to the visiting LA Angels, 2-1.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Ryan Braun hit his 10th homer of the season to help the Milwaukee Brewers (48-40) destroy the host Chicago Cubs, 11-2. He also walked twice before coming out for a pinch-hitter in the seventh. That two-run shot was part of the seven runs the Brewers put up in the third inning.

Danny Valencia hit #9 (#9, #9…Beatles reference), a three-run blast in the ninth, but the Seattle Mariners (41-46) lost to the visiting Oakland A’s, 7-4. Ryan Lavarnway did not appear in the game for the A’s (38-48).

Alex Bregman had two doubles (19) and a single in three at-bats (plus a walk) and scored twice, but the Houston Astros (58-28) still lost to the host Toronto Blue Jays, 7-4. On the other side of the diamond, Toronto’s Kevin Pillar hit his 22nd two-bagger and singled in four at-bats for the Jays (40-45), who scored five of their runs in the fifth inning. Yesterday I mentioned that all the regular JML position player could wind up with double-digit home runs, but could Pillar end up in the 20/20 club?

Ian Kinsler continued his months-long slump. His 0-for-4 night dropped his batting average to .239. The Detroit Tigers (38-46) beat the visiting San Francisco Giants, 6-2.

Joc Pederson walked  as a pinch-hitter in the ninth and scored a run as the LA Dodgers put up a four-spot in their last at-bat to beat the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, 5-4.

Richard Bleier pitched another scoreless inning of relief for the Baltimore Orioles (40-45), who lost to the host Minnesota Twins (44-41), 6-4. He struck out one and allowed two hits. Craig Breslow was scheduled to do a bullpen session and then report to Triple-A Rochester for a rehab game on Sunday.

Scott Feldman did not appear for the Cincinnati Reds (37-48) in their 6-3 win over the host Colorado Rockies.

# # #

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By Scott Barancik, Editor

Ryan Lavarnway, a 29-year-old catcher who last played Major League ball in 2015, was called-up by the Oakland Athletics today.

Lavarnway was hitting .274 with 4 HRs, 20 RBIs and a .362 on-base percentage at Triple-A when he got the news. He is replacing C Josh Phegley, who took a three-day paternity leave, so it’s quite possible his stay will be brief. Lavarnway is the 11th Jewish athlete to appear on an MLB roster in 2017.

A graduate of Yale University, he was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 6th round of the 2008 draft, made his Major League debut with the Red Sox in a swift three years, and also had stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves.

Lavarnway starred for Team Israel during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, hitting .444 (8-for-18) with a home run, 2 doubles, 6 RBIs and a .565 on-base percentage. He was the MVP of Pool A.

Lavarnway did not play in Oakland’s 7-4 win over the White Sox today.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Alex Bregman had two doubles (16), a single, a walk, three runs scored, and one RBI as the Houston Astros (57-27) beat up on the host Atlanta Braves, 16-4.

Danny Valencia was 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored for the Seattle Mariners (41-44) in a 7-3 loss to the visiting KC Royals.

Kevin Pillar was 1-for-4 with one strikeout, but the Toronto Blue Jays (38-35) beat the host NY Yankees, 4-1.

Ian Kinsler took an 0-for-4 collar, but the Detroit Tigers (37-45) beat the even-worse visiting San Francisco Giants, 5-4. While at the recent SABR Convention in New York, I had the chance to speak with a number of Tigers fans who were quite supportive of Brad Ausmus. I have compared him with David Blatt, the rookie head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They both came into situations where the team they were taking over had done well the previous year and remained relatively intact, seemingly predicting continued success. In fact, the Cavs were in first place — and went on to win the NBA Championship — when Blatt was fired. So when Detroit won the AL Central in 2014,  many people discredited Ausmus’ role, claiming he inherited a solid club from Jim Leyland. And in the years since then, as the Tigers have stumbled, there have been a lot of naysayers. These SABRen believed he could be a Hall of Fame manager some day, comparing him with Joe Torre, who was a “bum” until he came to the Yankees. And indeed, there are some in the media who advocate the Tigers stick with Ausmus. Time will tell. By the way, Blatt is also Jewish. Just sayin’.

Ryan Braun did not appear for the Milwaukee Brewers (46-40) in their 6-2 win over the visiting Baltimore Orioles (40-43). Richard Bleier was similarly absent from the game for the O’s. Scott Feldman did not appear for the Cincinnati Reds (36-47) in their 8-1 win over the host Colorado Rockies.

Joc Pederson did not appear for the LA Dodgers (56-29), who stemmed a three-run rally in the ninth to hold off the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-3. Will he serve as a cautionary tale for Cody Bellinger, a participant in this year’s Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game?

Craig Breslow — “the smartest man in baseball” — remains on the disabled list for the Minnesota Twins (43-40), who beat the visiting LA Angels, 5-4. He threw in a simulated game on Monday with no ill effects.

Speaking of the All-Star Game, which will be held at Marlins Park on July 11, it should come as no surprise that there are no JMLs on the team. Perhaps if so many of them hadn’t been on the DL at one time or another, they might have put up better numbers and received more consideration.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Danny Valencia had another multi-hit game, going 3-for-4, but the Seattle Mariners (41-43) still lost to the visiting KC Royals, 3-1. In fact, Valencia accounted for 75 percent of his team’s hit total.

Ryan Braun was 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored as the Milwaukee Brewers (45-40) beat the visiting Baltimore Orioles (40-42), 8-1. Richard Bleier threw the final inning for the O’s, holding Milwaukee scoreless on a hit and a strikeout and lowering his ERA to a slim 1.69.

Kevin Pillar had a pinch-hit, RBI double (#21) and scored a run, but the Toronto Blue Jays (37-45) lost to the host NY Yankees, 6-3.

Scott Feldman did not appear for the Cincinnati Reds (35-47) in their 5-3 loss to the host Colorado Rockies.

Craig Breslow remains on the disabled list for the Minnesota Twins. They beat the host LA Angels last night, 9-5.

# # #

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Scott Feldman had another fine performance on Friday, shutting out the visiting Chicago Cubs for seven innings on just two singles while striking out seven and walking no one in the Cincinnati Reds’ 5-0 victory. Feldman improved to 7-5 and lowered his ERA to a very respectable 3.78. The Reds are 35-46.

The LA Dodgers (55-29) took two of three from the host San Diego Padres with Joc Pederson contributing two hits in four at bats. He entered Friday’s game as a defensive replacement and was 1-for-1 and did not play on Saturday. Dodgersway.com gave him a A-minus for the month of June.

A pretty lost weekend for Kevin Pillar. He went hitless in 12 at bats, striking out four times as the Toronto Blue Jays (37-44) were swept by the visiting Boston Red Sox, losing the final game by an embarrassing 15-1 score.

Alex Bregman was 0-for-9 as the Houston Astros (56-27) took two of three from the host NY Yankees. He only got into the Sunday game as a defensive replacement, going hitless in his only turn at bat.

Things weren’t much better for Ian Kinsler of the Detroit Tigers (36-45), who had a single in nine at-bats in a Saturday doubleheader with the visiting Cleveland Indians. The teams split, but Cleveland won on Sunday, a game in which Kinsler did not appear.

Danny Valencia was 1-for-10, striking out half the time, as the Seattle Mariners (41-42) took two of three from the host LA Angels. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer gave him a B+ grade in a recent mid-season report card, commenting that “Valencia was an unmitigated bust through the first month of the season, but since then he’s batting over .300 with an OPS over .800.”

After sitting out Friday’s game for the Milwaukee Brewers (44-40), Ryan Braun was 2-for-9 with his eighth double. The Brewers took two of three from the visiting Miami Marlins.

Richard Bleier struck out both batters he faced on Friday in the Baltimore Orioles’ 6-4, 10-inning loss to the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. He allowed two hits the next day in one inning in another loss, as the Rays took two of the three contests. The Orioles are 40-41.

Craig Breslow remains on the disabled list for the Minnesota Twins.

Former JML Ike Davis might return…as a pitcher? Only a little bit far fetched. After all, he did make two relief appearances in 2015 in a couple of blow-out losses by the Oakland A’s. He retired the side in order on just nine pitches in his debut against the LA Angels on April 21 and gave up a walk and a hit while striking out one on August 16 against the Baltimore Orioles. Davis is batting just .183 for the Oklahoma City Dodgers this year with three home runs and 11 RBI. He has not appeared as a pitcher, however. And like many of his Major League brethren, he has spent time on the disabled list.

# # #

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By Scott Barancik, Editor

Here are your minor-league highlights from the week of June 26-July 2, 2017:

Jewish Baseball News Hitter of the Week: Blake Gailen*

In his first week back in the MLB-affiliated minor leagues since 2015, LF Blake Gailen* (Dodgers/AA) hit .333 (5-for-15) with 3 RBIs, highlighted by a two-homer performance on July 1.

Jewish Baseball News Pitcher of the Week: Jeremy Bleich*

• P Jeremy Bleich* (Dodgers/AAA) pitched 4 innings of one-run ball over 2 appearances, yielding 2 hits and no walks while striking out 4. In 16.2 innings since being promoted to Triple-A, Bleich is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA, has held opposing batters to just 0.78 walks/hits per inning, and has struck out 16 batters while walking just one.

Professional debuts

Three players selected in June’s MLB draft made their pro debuts last week:

• P Sam Delaplane (Mariners/rookie) pitched 3.2 scoreless innings over two appearances on June 26 and July 1, yielding 2 hits and no walks while striking out an impressive 7 batters.
• P Andy Rohloff (Giants/rookie) pitched a perfect inning of relief on June 30, striking out 2 of the 3 batters he faced.
• P Jordan Scheftz (Indians/rookie) earned a loss on June 27 and a save on July 6, yielding a combined 3 earned runs on no hits and 5 walks over 2.2 innings while striking out 2.

Season debuts

One 2016 draftee made his 2017 debut last week:

• C Justin Cohen (Marlins/rookie) hit .071 (1-for-14) with one walk.

Other highlights

• CF Braden Bishop (Mariners/High-A) hit .273 (9-for-33) with 2 doubles, a triple, a walk and 7 RBIs.
• C Ryan Gold (Blue Jays/rookie) hit .364 (4-for-11) with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs.
• C Jason Goldstein (Athletics/A) hit.333 (4-for-12) with 1 RBI.
• C Mitchell Kranson (Twins/High-A) hit .333 (5-for-12) with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs.
• C Ryan Lavarnway* (Athletics/AAA) hit .333 (8-for-24) with 2 walks.
• C Nick Rickles* (Phillies/AA) hit .400 (4-for-10) with a home run, double and 3 RBIs.
• C Adam Sonabend (Giants/A) hit .375 (3-for-8) with a double, walk and 2 RBIs.
• C Garrett Stubbs (Astros/AA) hit .300 (3-for-10) with a stolen base.
• SS Preston Grand Pre (Dodgers/rookie), in only his second week as a pro, hit .417 (5-for-12) with a double, 2 RBIs and one stolen base in 2 tries.
• P Corey Baker* (Cardinals/AA) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings over 2 appearances, yielding just one hit and no walks while striking out one and earning his 4th save in 4 chances.
• P Matthew Gorst (Red Sox/A) pitched 5 innings of one-run ball over 2 appearances, yielding 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. He is holding opposing batters to a .239 average and 1.08 hits/walks per inning.
• P Marc Huberman (Cubs/A) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings across 2 appearances, yielding one hit and 2 walks while fanning 4.
• P Dean Kremer* (Dodgers/High-A) pitched 5 innings of one-run ball over 2 appearances, yielding 2 hits and one walk while striking out 5.
• P Troy Neiman* (Rockies/AA) pitched 5 scoreless innings over 2 appearances, yielding 4 hits and a walk while striking out 5.
• P Ryan Sherriff* (Cardinals/AAA) pitched 3 scoreless innings over 2 appearances, yielding 2 hits and no walks while striking out 3. He is holding opposing batters to a .225 average and 1.04 hits/walks per inning.
• P Robert Stock (Reds/AA) pitched 3 scoreless innings over 2 appearances, yielding 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2.
• P Josh Zeid* (Cardinals/AAA) pitched 6 innings of one-run ball over 2 appearances, yielding 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 3.
• The Dodgers reportedly are investigating whether former major-leaguer Ike Davis* (AAA), a first baseman, might compete as a pitcher.

Transactions

• P Max Lazar, an 11th-round pick in the 2017 draft, was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers and placed on its rookie-league team.
• LF Blake Gailen*, an independent-league player who last played in the affiliated minor leagues in 2015, was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers and placed on its Double-A team.
• P Zack Weiss (Reds/AA) was promoted from High-A to Double-A
• P Brandon Gold (Rockies/High-A) was promoted from Single-A to High-A.
• 1B Ike Davis* (Dodgers/AAA) came off the disabled list.

Free agents

• Players believed to be seeking employment include former major leaguer Sam Fuld* and minor leaguers Raul Jacobson and Jason Richman.

Disabled list

• P Gabe Cramer* (Royals/High-A).
• P Jon Moscot (Reds/AAA). Elbow.
• P Jake Drossner (Brewers/A).
• P Rob Kaminsky (Indians/AA).
• P Mitchell Ownowitz (Red Sox/High-A).

2017 draft picks

The following players selected in June’s amateur draft are Jewish. The list may grow as additional athletes are verified by Jewish Baseball News and our friends at Jewish Sports Review.

1. Max Lazar (P), Brewers (Round 11, #324)
2. Keith Weisenberg (P), Braves (14/410)
3. Sam Delaplane (P), Mariners (23/693)
4. Jordan Scheftz (P), Indians (23/702)
5. Harrison Simon (P), Padres (24/708)
6. Preston Grand Pre (SS), Dodgers (24/730)
7. Zane Gurwitz (2B), Angels (26/775)
8. Elliott Barzilli (3B), Marlins (32/959)
9. Andy Rohloff (P), Giants (37/1116)
10. Dylan Horvitz (C), White Sox (38/1137)
11. Jacob Hoffman (SS), Athletics (40/1191)

Note to readers: Minor-League Monday does not include stats for all current Jewish minor-leaguers. Click here for a complete list of players, and then click on a player’s name to be taken to his stat page.

Members of Team Israel’s 2017 squad are marked with an asterisk.

Get your Jewish baseball news via e-mail

By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Home run happy yet? Three more from our guys punctuated last night’s games, and all six Jewish position players are within striking distance of 10 HRs as the All-Star game nears.

Joc Pederson launched his fourth in seven contests, eighth of the season and a record-setting 50th long ball this month for the LA Dodgers (53-28) as they beat the host LA Angels, 6-2. He also had a little fun with a beach ball, only to have teammate Yasiel Puig puncture it.

Ryan Braun hit his ninth to open the proceedings for the Milwaukee Brewers (42-39) in an 11-3 win over the host Cincinnati Reds (33-45). He also added a single and came out of game early in the laugher. Scott Feldman did not appear for the Reds.

Ian Kinsler joined in the fun when he cracked his ninth to help the Detroit Tigers (35-43) beat the visiting KC Royals, 7-3. His came in the third to give his mates a 4-0 lead. He also singled and walked, scoring three times.

Alex Bregman was one-for-three with a walk and a run scored as the Houston Astros (54-26) beat the visiting Oakland A’s, 6-1.

Kevin Pillar hit his 20th double in three at-bats as the Toronto Blue Jays (37-40) were shut out by the visiting Baltimore Orioles, 2-0. Richard Bleier did not appear for the O’s in this one.

Danny Valencia and the Seattle Mariners had the day off.

So does Craig Breslow have a legitimate reason for doing so poorly of late? The Minnesota Twins placed him on the disabled list with “rib-cage soreness.” They lost to the host Boston Red Sox, 6-3.

# # #

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Only three hits total last night for the boys, but two of them went yard, so there was that.

Ryan Braun hit his first homer (#8) since April 28, but his long bomb wasn’t enough to keep the Milwaukee Brewers (41-39) from losing a squeaker to the host Cincinnati Reds (33-44), 4-3. The solo shot in the third broke a 1-1 tie and was Braun’s only hit in four at-bats. He also made a nice play in the field, although I don’t know if it warranted such accolades of the announcer. Scott Feldman did not appear for the Reds.

Danny Valencia hit his eighth, also good for a single run in a one-run loss by the Seattle Mariners (39-41) to the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, 5-4. And like Braun, it was his only safety in four trips to the plate. This one tied the game at 3-3.

Kevin Pillar was 1-for-3 for the Toronto Blue Jays (37-40) in the 4-0 whitewash of the visiting Baltimore Orioles. Richard Bleier did not appear for the O’s.

Ian Kinsler was 0-for-4 for the Detroit Tigers (34-43) in an 8-2 loss to visiting KC Royals.

Joc Pederson struck out twice in four at-bats as the LA Dodgers (52-28) lost to the visiting LA Angels, 3-2, on a two-out, walk-off home run.

Alex Bregman did not appear for the Houston Astros (53-26) in their 11-8 win over the visiting Oakland A’s.

Craig Breslow, was placed on the disabled list with a sore shoulder, did not appear for the Minnesota Twins (40-36) in their 4-1 win over the host Boston Red Sox.

# # #

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

June 27 games
Welcome back, Ryan Braun. The Milwaukee Brewers’ outfielder returned last night to stroke his seventh double — this time, of the ground rule variety — in five trips to the plate and scored a run in an 8-6 loss to the host Cincinnati Reds. He also made this nice catch. Scott Feldman did not appear for the home team. The Brewers are 41-38, the Reds 32-44.

Joc Pederson is on a bit of a roll lately. He cracked home run #7, a three-run blast in the seventh in the LA Dodgers’ win over the visiting LA Angels, turning the tables with a 4-0 win after the Angels won by the same score the previous night. Pederson — who now has three homers in his last six games — had one of only four hits the Dodgers (52-27) managed.

Danny Valencia remains toasty: two more hits, including his 11th double, as the Seattle Mariners (39-40) dropped an 8-2 decision to the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.

Alex Bregman also had two hits in a losing cause as the Houston Astros (52-26) fell to the visiting Oakland A’s, 4-2. Bregman also scored a run.

You know who’s not hot? Craig Breslow, who gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks (one strikeout) in an inning of work. The Minnesota Twins (39-36) lost to the host Boston Red Sox, 9-2.

Ian Kinsler singled in four at-bats and drove in a run as the Detroit Tigers (34-42) beat the visiting KC Royals, 5-3. As the trade deadline approaches, his is one of those names that keeps popping up, especially with the Tigers doing so poorly.

Kevin Pillar was 0-for-3 as the Toronto Blue Jays (36-40) lost to the visiting Baltimore Orioles (38-38), 3-1. Richard Bleier did not appear in the game for the O’s.

Remember Nate Freiman? Hola, amigo.

June 26 games
I’ll make this short and sweet: Joc Pederson was 0-for-3 as the LA Dodgers (51-27) managed just five hits in seeing their 10-game winning streak come to an end thanks to a 4-0 blanking by the visiting LA Angels. He was the only MOT in action yesterday: Neither Craig Breslow nor Scott Feldman appeared for the Minnesota Twins (4-1 loss to host Boston Red Sox) or Cincinnati Reds (8-2 loss to host St. Louis Cardinals), respectively.

# # #

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By Scott Barancik, Editor

Here are your minor-league highlights from the week of June 19-25, 2017:

Jewish Baseball News Hitter of the Week: Zach Borenstein*

LF Zach Borenstein* (Diamondbacks/AAA) had a tremendous week, hitting .412 (7-for-17) with 2 homers, 2 triples, 3 walks and 8 RBIs. His .533 slugging percentage is tied for 14th-best in the Pacific Coast League, and his 35 RBIs are tops among Jewish minor-leaguers.

Jewish Baseball News Pitcher of the Week: Zack Weiss

• P Zack Weiss (Reds/High-A) was nearly perfect in three relief appearances last week. Over a combined 3.2 innings, he yielded no hits and one walk while striking out 5 and earning his second victory. Weiss hadn’t pitched for 20 months when he returned to the mound May 31.

Professional debuts

Two players selected in this months’ MLB draft made their pro debuts last week:

• 2B Zane Gurwitz (Angels/rookie) went 3-for-4 with 2 stolen bases in his stellar June 24 debut.
• SS Preston Grand Pre (Dodgers/rookie) went 0-for-2 with a walk on June 24.

Season debuts

Several 2016 draftees made their 2017 debuts last week:

• C Ryan Gold (Blue Jays/rookie) went a combined 2-for-6 with 3 RBIs and 3 walks on June 22-23.
• C Andy Yerzy (Diamondbacks/rookie) hit .200 (4-for-20) with a home run, 4 RBIs and 3 walks on June 19-24.
• 1B Dalton Blumenfeld (Angels/rookie) went 0-for-3 with 2 walks on June 25.

Other highlights

• C Michael Barash (Angels/High-A) hit .462 last week (6-for-13), with 2 hits in each of the three games he played. That included the first two-homer performance of his pro career, on June 24.
• CF Braden Bishop (Mariners/High-A) hit .421 (8-for-19), and talk about consistency: he had 2 hits in each of the 4 games he played, including 2 doubles. A 3rd-round draft pick in 2015, Bishop leads the Modesto Nuts in batting average (.315), OBP (.412) and OPS (.824).
• C Adam Sonabend (Giants/A) went 3-for-10 with 2 RBIs and a walk.
• P Alex Katz* (Orioles/A) pitched 2 scoreless innings on June 25, yielding a hit and 2 walks while striking out 2. He’s held opponents scoreless in six straight relief appearances, a total of 8.2 innings.
• P R.C. Orlan* (Nationals/AA) was nearly perfect in two one-innings appearances, yielding no hits and one walk while striking out 2.
• P Joey Wagman* (Athletics/High-A) pitched a perfect inning of relief on June 23.

Transactions

• 1B Ike Davis* (Dodgers/AAA) played briefly in 2 games before returning to the disabled list.
• C Mitchell Kranson (Twins/High-A) was promoted from Single-A on June 23.
• 2017 draft pick Keith Weisenberg was assigned to the Braves’ rookie-league team.
• 2017 draft pick Sam Delaplane was assigned to the Mariners’ rookie-league team.
• 2017 draft pick Jordan Scheftz was assigned to the Indians’ rookie-league team.
• 2017 draft pick Preston Grand Pre was assigned to the Dodgers’ rookie-league team.
• 2017 draft pick Zane Gurwitz was assigned tot he Angels’ rookie-league team.
• 2017 draft pick Jacob Hoffman plans to pursue a Master’s Degree rather than play pro ball.
• 2017 draft pick Dylan Horvitz plans to attend college rather than play pro ball.
• Jewish Baseball News confirmed that Max Lazar, an 11th-round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, is Jewish.

Free agents

• Players believed to be seeking employment include former major leaguer Sam Fuld* and minor leaguers Raul Jacobson and Jason Richman.

Disabled list

• P Gabe Cramer* (Royals/High-A).
• 1B Ike Davis* (Dodgers/AAA).
• P Jon Moscot (Reds/AAA). Elbow.
• P Jake Drossner (Brewers/A).
• P Rob Kaminsky (Indians/AA).
• P Mitchell Ownowitz (Red Sox/High-A).

2017 draft picks

The following players selected in this month’s amateur draft are Jewish. The list may grow as additional athletes are verified by Jewish Baseball News and our friends at Jewish Sports Review.

1. Max Lazar (P), Brewers (Round 11, #324)
2. Keith Weisenberg (P), Braves (14/410)
3. Sam Delaplane (P), Mariners (23/693)
4. Jordan Scheftz (P), Indians (23/702)
5. Harrison Simon (P), Padres (24/708)
6. Preston Grand Pre (SS), Dodgers (24/730)
7. Zane Gurwitz (2B), Angels (26/775)
8. Elliott Barzilli (3B), Marlins (32/959)
9. Andy Rohloff (P), Giants (37/1116)
10. Dylan Horvitz (C), White Sox (38/1137)
11. Jacob Hoffman (SS), Athletics (40/1191)

Note to readers: Minor-League Monday does not include stats for all current Jewish minor-leaguers. Click here for a complete list of players, and then click on a player’s name to be taken to his stat page.

Members of Team Israel’s 2017 squad are marked with an asterisk.

Get your Jewish baseball news via e-mail

By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Dropping Kevin Pillar in the batting order seems to be working, for now. The Toronto Blue Jays outfielder had five hits over the weekend, including his 19th double and ninth home run. But all that didn’t prevent the Jays (36-39) from dropping two of three to the host KC Royals. Summing up: Pillar had five hits in 13 at-bats (he was even better when you throw out his 0-for-3 performance in the series opener) with three runs scored, one RBI, and two walks. His batting average over the last seven games is a nice .308.

Joc Pederson also had a nice weekend. He hit his sixth home run on Saturday and was 3-for-4 with two doubles yesterday as the LA Dodgers (51-26) swept their series against the visiting Colorado Rockies to extend their winning streak to 10 and take a two-and-a-half game lead in the NL West. Could he be “turning a corner?” We’ve been teased like this before.

Alex Bregman was just 2-for-11 over the weekend, but one of those hits was his eighth home run of the season. It didn’t prevent the host Seattle Mariners (39-39) from putting a 13-3 hurt on the Houston Astros on Friday. The ‘Stros (52-25) won the next two contests though, so all is well. Could a trade be in his immediate future?

Danny Valencia had two RBI in that drubbing, going 4-for-5 with two runs scored and … that was it; he did not appear in the other two games, due to a sore wrist.

Ian Kinsler had just one hit — his 12th double — in 11 at bats, and it came in the only win the Detroit Tigers (33-42) could muster against the host San Diego Padres. His lone run proved to be the game-winner as the Tigers scored twice in the ninth for a 7-5 victory.

We got the “good” Scott Feldman this weekend: he allowed two runs on seven hits with two walks and five strikeouts in beating the host Washington Nationals, 6-2. The Reds (31-43) scored five in the first while Feldman (6-5) quelled a Nationals threat by fanning Anthony Rendon with two down and runners on second and third in the opening frame.

Richard Bleier made one appearance for the Baltimore Orioles (37-38), who took two of three from the host Tampa Bay Rays. He threw one inning of scoreless relief in yesterday’s 8-5 win, giving up a hit and striking out one.

Craig Breslow did not appear in any games for the Minnesota Twins (39-34), who swept the host Cleveland Indians. (Kind of odd how both the Indians and Cubs are struggling so much after appearing in the World Series last year.) Is Father Time catching up with Breslow?

Ryan Braun is on his rehab tour. So far, so good. And good again.

# # #

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

A good night for batters; for pitchers, not so much.

The LA Dodgers (48-26) had just six hits against the visiting NY Mets, but three of then went for home runs, including one by Joc Pederson, his fifth of the year. It came as he led off the seventh inning and proved to be the game-winner, breaking a 3-3 tie. He came into the game as a defensive replacement and went 2-for-2 at the plate. He was also caught stealing for the third time.

The other Jewish homer came off the bat of Ian Kinsler, though not in the first inning. His eighth of the year came in the third to put the Detroit Tigers (32-40) on the scoreboard and was one of his two hits on the evening. The solo blast was also his third four-bagger in as many games. Kinsler also drove in another run, giving him 19. The Tigers continue to founder, however, losing to the host Seattle Mariners (38-37), 9-6, with Kinsler striking out to end the game. They have now lost six in a row and eight of their last 11 to fall into last place in the AL Central. Danny Valencia reached base in all four of his plate appearances: two singles and two walks. He also scored a run. Seattle moved over the .500 mark for the first time in 2017.

The Toronto Blue Jays (35-37) dropped Kevin Pillar from the leadoff spot to sixth in the lineup. He responded with a single and his 18th double in four at bats, but the Jays lost to the host Texas Rangers, 11-4.

Alex Bregman was 0-for-5 but the Houston Astros continue to roll, besting the host Oakland A’s, 12-9, tp become the first team in the Majors to win 50 games this season (50-24).

Craig Breslow allowed six hits (including a home run) and two runs in 2.2 innings as the Minnesota Twins (36-34) were shut out by the visiting Chicago White Sox, 9-0. On the bright side, he struck out three.

Richard Bleier also gave up a long ball, one of three hits he allowed in 1.2 innings to go along with a walk as the Baltimore Orioles (35-37) lost to the visiting Cleveland Indians, 6-3.

The Cincinnati Reds had the night off. Scott Feldman‘s next scheduled start is Sunday against the Nationals in Washington.

Ryan Braun is expected to make his first rehab start tonight.

# # #

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

So let me get this straight: the days are going to get shorter now? Doesn’t it seem like they should be longest in the middle of summer?

Anyway, the days can’t seem to end early enough for the NY Mets, who lost again. The host LA Dodgers (47-26) whooped them, 8-2. Joc Pederson never put the ball in play, striking out in his only official at bat, but he walked three times and scored three runs. The win gave the Dodgers sole possession of first place in the NL West.

Ian Kinsler hit his ninth home run, but this one came in the ninth inning, as opposed to leading off the game. The Detroit Tigers fell to seven games under .500 (32-39) with their 7-5 loss to the host Seattle Mariners (37-37). Danny Valencia was hitless in four trips to the plate.

Alex Bregman hit his 14th double in two official at bats for the Houston Astros and walked twice as the Houston Astros (49-24) beat the host Oakland A’s, 5-1.

Kevin Pillar entered the game for the Toronto Blue Jays as a defensive replacement. He singled and stole a base (#11) in his only at bat. Toronto (35-36) beat the host Boston Red Sox, 7-5.

Scott Feldman did not appear for the Cincinnati Reds (30-41) in their 8-3 loss to the host Tampa Bay Rays.

Richard Bleier did not appear for the Baltimore Orioles (35-36) in their 5-1 loss to the visiting Cleveland Indians.

Craig Breslow did not appear for the Minnesota Twins (36-33) in their 4-2 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Finally! Ryan Braun is set to begin his rehab assignment for the Milwaukee Brewers.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Joc Pederson was on base four times for the host LA Dodgers (45-26) last night — a run-scoring ground-rule double, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch — in a 12-0 pounding of the NY Mets. I lead off with this one because I actually stayed up to watch the game as I hosted a Sportscastr “broadcast” (don’t know what I was thinking after pulling a 6 a.m – 2 p.m. shift at work). What a revolting development that was for Mets fans. According to the game notes put out by the team prior to the game, starting pitcher Robert Gsellman was at his worst in the first and fifth innings. Sure enough, he gave up four runs in the first and a couple more in the fifth. Cory Seager hit three of the Dodgers’ five homers and missed out on a four-tater night in his last at-bat. Pederson almost collided with teammate Yasiel Puig in the outfield. It was a collision a few weeks ago that landed Pederson on the concussion DL list. Judging from the body language at the very end of this video clip, Pederson did not appear too pleased with the situation.

Ian Kinsler led off the game for the Detroit Tigers (32-28) — again –with a home run, number six for the year and the 44th long-ball opener of his career. He also walked, singled to drive in another run, and stole two bases to bring his season total to five. Kinsler was able to score a run off his steal of third on a wild pitch. But the host Seattle Mariners came back and won the game in 10 innings, 5-4. Danny Valencia was 0-for-4 for the Mariners (36-37). With the Tigers failing to achieve in yet another season, Brad Ausmus leads managerial candidates who are on the hot seat.

Alex Bregman singled, doubled (#13), was hit by a pitch, and walked in five trips to the plate as the Houston Astros doubled up on the host Oakland As, 8-4. Bregman scored one run, drove in two, and stole his fifth base in the win. Then there was this run-saving play at third.

Kevin Pillar was 0-for-5 with a strikeout as the Toronto Blue Jays (34-36) dropped a 6-1 decision to the host Texas Rangers. Pillar is hitless in the series so far and has just one hit in his last 15 trips to the plate. His batting average has dropped more than 60 points since May 20.

Richard Bleier loaded the bases (two hits and an intentional walk) but none of the runners scored as he pitched two-thirds of an inning. The Baltimore Orioles (35-35) held off the visiting Cleveland Indians, 6-5.

The Cincinnati Reds (30-40) scored three runs in their last two at-bats but it wasn’t enough to beat the host Tampa Bay Rays, who held on for the 6-5 win. Scott Feldman did not appear in the game for the Reds.

Craig Breslow did not appear for the Minnesota Twins (35-33) in their 9-7 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox.

So much for Ryan Braun‘s rehab. Seems like the calf just won’t let him progress. I had a calf injury playing softball some 20 years ago. I was running out a double and something in my lower leg just popped. It felt like I had been hit by a throw. Kept me out of action for six weeks, but then I wasn’t a multi-million dollar player with access to all sorts of therapeutic wonders. Still, I know how annoying it can be to be forced to watch.

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By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Scott Feldman tossed six strong innings, giving up just two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six for the Cincinnati Reds (30-39) against the host Tampa Bay Rays in a 7-3 win. It was his seventh so-called quality start of the season. But reliever Michel Lorenzen couldn’t hold the lead and ended up getting credit for the decision. How is that fair? By the way, the victory ended a nine-game losing streak for Cincy.

Richard Bleier pitched the final inning in a 12-0 debacle suffered by his Baltimore Orioles (34-35) at the hands of the visiting Cleveland Indians. He allowed one unearned run on one hit and struck out one. Hard to believe the O’s were once contending for first place in the AL East.

Alex Bregman doubled twice (12 on the season) in four at-bats as the Houston Astros (47-24) beat the host Oakland A’s, 4-1. Bregman also managed to get picked off of second after one of those two-baggers.

Danny Valencia was 1-for-3 with a walk as his Seattle Mariners (35-37) beat Ian Kinsler‘s Detroit Tigers, 6-2. Kinsler also had one hit — his 11th double– in three official trips to the plate, walked twice, and drove in his 15th run for the T-men (32-37).

The New York Mets, improbably, hit four home runs off Clayton Kershaw, but by then the host LA Dodgers (45-46) already had an insurmountable lead and held on to it for the 10-6 win. Joc Pederson was 1-for-4, one of 17 hits the Blue Crew amassed.

Kevin Pillar was 0-for-5 with two strikeouts as the Toronto Blue Jays (34-35) held off the host Texas Rangers, 7-6. They gave up a 5-1 lead but came back with two runs in the ninth for the victory.

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