Drew Rasmussen, formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers, has earned his first All-Star Game selection, stepping in for Yusei Kikuchi. Drafted by the Brewers in 2018, Rasmussen was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in a deal involving Willy Adames. Since then, he has excelled with a 2.82 ERA and a 1.007 WHIP across 18 starts. However, his career has been marred by injuries, including multiple Tommy John surgeries.

On the Brewers' side, Adames has shown his worth, posting a .344 batting average and 11 home runs this season. The trade has proven mutually beneficial, with both players contributing significantly to their teams.

Rafael Devers has found himself at the center of controversy after missing a workout session at first base just before the Boston Red Sox faced the San Francisco Giants. This absence, reported by announcer Will Flemming, seemed to imply a lack of commitment from Devers, who the Giants traded for in June. However, Giants legend Will Clark came forward to clarify that Devers' decision was strategic; he wanted to avoid working out in front of Boston's dugout. Clark did not hold back in criticizing Flemming for his comments, expressing his disdain and calling out the media's tendency to blow stories out of proportion.

Since his arrival, Devers has exclusively served as a designated hitter, struggling at the plate with a .225 average. The Giants currently sit third in the National League Wild Card standings, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the turmoil, the Giants appear to be navigating a solid season, and Devers’ performance could be pivotal in their playoff aspirations.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (56-38) are struggling, having lost six straight games, as they prepare to face the San Francisco Giants (51-43) in a pivotal three-game series. The Dodgers have only managed to score 10 runs over their last six games, which has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. In stark contrast, the Giants are coming off a solid performance, boasting a record of 4-1 over their last five games, despite a recent blowout loss to the Phillies.

Tonight's matchup sees the Dodgers sending Dustin May (5-5, 4.52 ERA) to the mound against Logan Webb (8-6, 2.62 ERA) of the Giants. May's recent outings include a solid performance where he allowed just two earned runs over seven innings, while Webb, despite being effective this season, has shown vulnerability against stronger lineups. The Dodgers lead the season series 2-1, having previously outscored the Giants at home 18-15 in their last meeting.

Will Clark, a San Francisco Giants legend, took to social media to express his anger at Boston media for attempting to create a rivalry between him and Rafael Devers during the recent Giants-Red Sox series. The controversy began when Red Sox broadcaster Will Flemming claimed that Devers skipped a workout with Clark, which Clark refuted, stating that he understood Devers' absence and that they were on good terms. Clark's frustration was directed at Flemming, where he used strong language to emphasize his discontent with the portrayal of the situation.

Clark elaborated on the unnecessary exaggeration of his comments regarding Devers, explaining that he never meant to imply any hostility. He plans to apologize to Devers next time they meet. This controversy has garnered significant media attention, reflecting the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding sports figures.

Justin Verlander has struggled this season for the San Francisco Giants, posting a concerning 6.27 ERA. As the trade deadline approaches, the Giants might need to consider other options to enhance their playoff chances. ESPN's Jeff Passan suggests that Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks could be an ideal candidate to bolster the pitching staff.

Kelly, despite being 36, has delivered consistent performances with a sub-3.50 ERA in three of the last four seasons and could significantly improve the Giants' rotation, which has seen Verlander and Hayden Birdsong both falter recently. The Giants are desperate for a postseason win, making this a crucial time for potential roster moves.