Travis d’Arnaud showcased his familiarity with former teammate Jacob deGrom, hitting a two-run homer that broke deGrom's franchise record for consecutive starts with two or fewer runs allowed. This early blast helped the Angels take a 3-2 lead against the Rangers. D'Arnaud later tied the game with a double, highlighting his pivotal role in the 6-5 victory. The Angels capitalized on a bases-loaded walk by Nolan Schanuel to clinch the win. Despite the loss, deGrom's performance was respectable, though it didn't reflect his ace reputation.

Yusei Kikuchi struggled during his start despite being named an All-Star, allowing four runs in just five innings. The Angels also faced injury setbacks, placing Hunter Strickland on the 15-day IL due to shoulder inflammation. His absence comes after he pitched 22 innings this season with a solid ERA. With Strickland sidelined, the Angels have called up Víctor Mederos to reinforce their bullpen.

The Chicago White Sox faced a tough defeat against the Toronto Blue Jays, losing 8-4 at Rate Field, marking their ninth consecutive loss. Starting pitcher Sean Burke struggled, giving up back-to-back home runs to Joey Loperfido and Nathan Lukes in the fifth inning, which shifted the momentum in favor of Toronto. The Blue Jays built a solid lead, ultimately scoring five runs in the sixth inning. Despite an early RBI single from Brooks Baldwin, the Sox couldn't maintain their advantage.

Burke's performance was disappointing, as he allowed six runs on six hits over five innings. He reflected on his execution, acknowledging that pinpoint pitches were crucial against a hot Toronto lineup. Sox manager Will Venable noted that Burke's pitching wasn't as poor as his stats suggested, emphasizing the need to capitalize on every opportunity against strong offenses. The Sox's inconsistent offense failed to provide the support needed, with Mike Tauchman offering a late rally with a two-run single in the seventh.

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to surge in Major League Baseball, boasting a 9-1 record over their last 10 games, complicating matters for the struggling Boston Red Sox. As the trade deadline nears, the Red Sox may consider offloading players, including Aroldis Chapman, who has a 1.25 ERA this season. A recent trade proposal suggests Chapman could be sent to the Blue Jays, a deal that could pragmatically benefit both teams despite their divisional rivalry. The Blue Jays' bullpen has faltered, making a trade for an experienced closer like Chapman appealing.

The Toronto Blue Jays continued their impressive form, securing an 8-4 victory against the Chicago White Sox, marking their ninth consecutive win. This triumph came on the back of powerful performances from Joey Loperfido and Nathan Lukes, who hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning, giving the Jays a solid lead. José Berríos' pitching was also instrumental in keeping the White Sox at bay.

In the sixth inning, Bo Bichette contributed with a double, and Addison Barger hit the Jays’ third home run of the game, solidifying their dominance. Loperfido's notable two-run single highlighted his impact in only his second game of the season. With this victory, the Jays are gearing up for a strong finish before the All-Star break.

The Toronto Blue Jays maintain their position atop the AL East, buoyed by promising updates regarding pitcher Alek Manoah, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Recent reports indicate that Manoah is set to pitch to live hitters in Florida, potentially leading to a rehab start soon. His 2024 season had begun strong before injury sidelined him, and if he returns to form, he could significantly bolster the Blue Jays' rotation as they aim for postseason success.

With an impressive eight-game winning streak, the Blue Jays are the hottest team in baseball this July. They recently completed a sweep over the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, showcasing their offensive firepower and pitching depth. Manoah’s potential return adds another layer of excitement for fans and fantasy managers alike, as he was an All-Star in 2022, demonstrating his capability to be a top-tier starter.