Texas Rangers face a 4-6 week hurdle as Marcus Semien suffers a fractured third metatarsal and Lisfranc sprain, forcing a shuffling of infielders. Bochy plans to rotate Ezequiel Durán, Cody Freeman and Josh Smith at second base, guided by matchups and performance, with Durán the early standout at the position. Durán’s improved plate approach and reduced chase rate bolster his spot, while Freeman’s versatility and Smith’s defense give the Rangers a functional, multi-headed solution for the season’s final stretch.

Durán has pounded the ball lately, delivering a .378/.404/.467 line over his last 15 games, cutting chase rate from 37.7% to 32.1% and heating up on fastballs. He previously stepped in at short when Seager missed time, flashing a knack for piling up at-bats. Freeman, a rookie with 29 MLB at-bats, adds defense and depth at second, while Smith provides infield flexibility after years as a super-utility asset. The plan hinges on performance and matchup data as the Rangers chase a playoff berth this year.

Semien’s absence tests Texas’ one-inning durability and lineup balance, but Bochy remains confident they can piece it together. If Durán’s bat stays hot and the infield defense holds, the Rangers can survive this period and keep pace in a tight playoff race, aiming for Semien’s return later in the year.

Davis Martin showcased a stellar performance for the Chicago White Sox, pitching a career-high 6 2/3 innings while allowing just one run to secure a 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The right-hander was effective, retiring nine of ten batters during one stretch, complemented by a solid bullpen finish from Mike Vasil, who earned his first major-league save. The offense featured home runs by Lenyn Sosa and Michael A. Taylor, along with key contributions from Luis Robert Jr., who had two hits and an RBI. This win marked the Sox's first road series victory of the season and extended their winning streak to three games, showcasing a promising shift in their performance.

In a stunning offensive display, the New York Yankees crushed the Milwaukee Brewers 20-9, powered by nine home runs. What set this game apart was the introduction of a unique bat design that aims to optimize performance. The Yankees’ analytics team crafted a bat that shifts mass lower on the barrel, enhancing the chances of making solid contact. This innovation was reportedly inspired by the hitting patterns of players like Anthony Volpe, who was noted for hitting too many balls on the label instead of the barrel.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Cody Bellinger were also spotted using these new bats during the game. Despite the innovative design, the legality of the bats is not in question as they adhere to MLB regulations. Former Yankees players have praised their potential, noting that even a slight improvement in contact can yield significant results in a player's performance.