Around the AL Central (7/14): Sprinting Towards the Break

The Standings:

• Minnesota 49-41
• Cleveland 43-44 (4.5 GB, 3.0 GB of 2nd Wild Card)
• Chicago 43-45 (5.0 GB)
• Detroit 37-52 (11.5 GB)
• Kansas City 35-53 (13.0 GB)

Chicago again continues to get in their own way while they have gained ground on Cleveland thanks to a horrid stretch from Terry Francona’s club. Detroit and Kansas City haven’t figured to be in play even before Opening Day and the question now is just how far they’ll fall by season’s end.

The Stories:
After a strong first-half performance by more than a few Minnesota Twins players, both Byron Buxton and Luis Arraez were named to the American League All-Star team. Buxton has a slugging-heavy OPS while Arraez looks like the second coming of Rod Carew. Kenta Maeda has thrown 85 mph in a recent bullpen and looks toward a return later this season. Following his most recent outing, Josh Winder was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. It appears starter Chris Archer will rejoin the rotation and take the final turn against Chicago before the break.

Just days after returning to the lineup for Chicago, Eloy Jimenez exited Wednesday with leg tightness. Yasmani Grandal is inching closer towards a return for the White Sox and is expected to rejoin the club following the All-Star break. He has been sidelined dealing with back spasms. Tony La Russa continues to be the gift that keeps on giving in terms of mind-boggling decisions. This week he had his pitcher walk Guardians star Jose Ramirez after getting behind 0-1 in a count while Chicago was trailing by 4.

A couple of less than ideal contributors have their status currently up in the air for Francona’s club. Luke Maile took a foul tip to the catcher’s mask and it didn’t look good. Starter Aaron Civale has also been sent for an MRI after dealing with right wrist pain during his latest start. Jose Ramirez did make waves this week when he announced that he would participate in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star game festivities in Los Angeles.

It’s been an up and down year for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Overall though, he’s nearly hit 100 mph and while he owns a 4.11 ERA the 3.02 FIP suggests he’s been even better. In a year lost for much of the team, he’s been a bright spot. Miguel Cabrera has been selected to participate in the All-Star game by way of Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Very little has gone right for Kansas City this season and now they’ve entered the territory of self-inflicted wounds. Heading to Toronto for a final series prior to the All-Star break, Kansas City placed nearly 50% of their 26-man roster on the restricted list. That also includes key trade chip, Andrew Benintendi, who Jon Heyman now reports is not of interest to the Yankees because of the inability to compete.

The Week Ahead:
A fitting end to the first half for Minnesota, they’ll tangle with the Chicago White Sox. Despite expecting to battle with one another, the Twins own a 5-1 record with a +18 run differential against Chicago this season.

After playing the Tigers in Detroit four times over three days last week, Cleveland closes out by welcoming them four a traditional four-game series.

Mike Matheny’s Royals club goes north of the border to play the Blue Jays in Toronto. As mentioned, they’ll do so needing to replace a whopping 10 players on their active roster. For a team that’s already one of the worst in baseball, they’ll be a skeleton crew in Canada to close it out.

What are you looking forward to this week? What’s your favorite part of the All-Star festivities?