The Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the Chicago White Sox and suffered a heavy defeat, losing 7-1 at home in their series opener. Right-handed reliever Spencer Turnbull struggled, allowing four runs in just two innings, while Mason Fluharty contributed three additional runs in one inning of relief. The White Sox utilized a successful bullpen strategy, particularly with Tyler Alexander's impressive four-inning scoreless performance.

Adding to the Blue Jays' woes, infielder Addison Barger was scratched from the lineup due to right hip discomfort. Barger has been a bright spot for the Blue Jays this season, hitting .270 with eight home runs. As they prepare for the next game, the team is looking to Jose Berrios to anchor the pitching against Chicago’s Aaron Civale.

Nathan Church showcased his power with a grand slam, driving in five runs, while José Fermín went 4 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs, leading the Memphis Redbirds to a thrilling 10-7 victory over the Norfolk Tides. The game took place before 4,893 fans at AutoZone Park in Tennessee, leveling the series at one game each. The Redbirds jumped to a commanding 10-0 lead by the fifth inning, but the Tides mounted a late rally, scoring seven runs, showcasing their resilience.

Terrin Vavra ignited Norfolk's offense with an RBI single in the seventh. A powerful eighth inning featured two-run homers from Dylan Beavers and Heston Kjerstad, alongside a solo shot by Vimael Machín. Kjerstad, recently optioned from the Baltimore Orioles, has quickly made an impact in his third game with the Tides. Beavers, finishing with three hits and three RBIs, has elevated his batting average to .310. On the mound, Memphis starter Quinn Mathews dazzled with five scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out six.

The Toronto Blue Jays showcased a powerful offensive display during their four-game sweep against the Oakland Athletics, highlighted by Addison Barger's impressive performance. With a three-run homer in the eighth inning of their latest matchup, Barger helped seal an 8-4 victory, extending the team’s home win streak to seven games. Throughout this stretch, they have averaged nearly nine runs per game, demonstrating a potent offense against both the Padres and the Athletics. Barger's recent surge includes a .321 batting average over his last 24 games, showcasing his potential as a key contributor.

Manager John Schneider praised Barger for his dynamic hitting and renewed confidence at the plate, suggesting his improved athleticism is a crucial factor in his recent success. Additionally, the Blue Jays have seen contributions from other players, with a notable batting average of .337 during this winning streak, bolstered by an impressive 32 extra-base hits. However, the team also faces challenges, such as George Springer’s minor ankle injury and the recent placement of Daulton Varsho on the injured list, which could affect their lineup moving forward.

The Los Angeles Angels are struggling, with only two wins in their last seven games, leading to a disappointing 12-14 record, placing them last in the American League West division. The team's bullpen has been particularly problematic, ranking 25th in the league with a 5.02 ERA. In a bid to revitalize the pitching staff, the Angels have made several roster changes, including recalling left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and selecting right-handed pitcher José Fermin's contract. Eder, while having a challenging stint with a 6.00 ERA in Triple-A, boasts an impressive strikeout rate of 13.9 K/9. Conversely, Fermin has excelled this season with a mere 1.12 ERA and a remarkable 16.9 K/9 in 8 innings.