Chris Davis sends Orioles fans home happy with a walk-off blast against the White Sox.
The Orioles were headed for a loss at the hands of Chris Sale and the White Sox on Monday night before Chris Davis came off the bench to send Baltimore home happy a walk-off home run.
With Baltimore trailing 4-3 in the ninth inning, Davis sent a 3-2 offering from White Sox reliever Ronald Belisario deep into the right center field seats for a three-run homer, much to the delight of Orioles broadcaster Gary Thorne and the Camden Yards faithful.
The home run was Davis' 13th this season and gave Baltimore its 40th win in 2014. In 257 plate appearances this year, Davis is batting .219/.329/.438, a far cry from the .286/.370/.634 mark he hit in 2013 when the 28-year-old led the AL in home runs with 53.
But even with Davis' struggles, the Orioles are right in the thick of the AL playoff picture. The club is 1½ games behind the Blue Jays for the AL East lead and currently sits in a tie with the Angels for the top wild card spot.
Stroman, Jays crush Yanks
The Blue Jays maintained their lead atop the AL East on Monday night with an 8-3 win against the Yankees. Rookie Marcus Stroman silenced the Bronx Bombers' bats, and the Toronto offense jumped all over New York starter Chase Whitley, scoring seven runs in the first two innings thanks in part to a three-run homer by Adam Lind.
Stroman struck out seven and walked one, while allowing three hits and an earned run. The outing lowered Stroman's ERA to 4.25 and FIP to 3.61, with the rookie now having struck out 30 batters and walked seven in 36 innings pitched.
Toronto also received some good news on the injury front Monday, as Jose Reyes returned to the lineup after fouling a ball off his shin Saturday and missing a game.
In addition, the Jays hope to have Jose Bautista, who is currently shelved with a hamstring strain, back within the next couple of days.
Harper, Ramos nearing returns for Nats
Bryce Harper began a rehab assignment at High-A Potomac on Monday night, playing in a game for the first time since tearing a ligament in his thumb on April 26. The 21-year-old outfielder is expected to play center field Tuesday and is hoping to make his return to the Nationals around July 1.
Harper's eventual return will give the Nationals more lineup flexibility, allowing them to play Ryan Zimmerman in left field or the infield depending upon whether Harper or Denard Span starts in center.
Wilson Ramos is also working his way back from injury, with the catcher expected to join the Nationals when he is eligible to come off the DL on Thursday. Ramos has been shelved since June 10 with a right hamstring strain and has played in just 24 games this season after landing on the DL back in April as well.