Marc Topkin

PHILADELPHIA - Rays DH Yandy Diaz said his decision to skip Monday's All-Star media/photo day activities, workout and Home Run Derby was simply a matter of preferring to spend quality time with family and friends.

Drew Rasmussen goes back to Oregon State with the star catcher, and Bryan Baker worked with him in Baltimore. Could more reunions be ahead?

Wander Franco plans to return to the baseball field next week. Per a report by ESPN's Enrique Rojas , the Rays' 2023 All-Star shortstop -

Having 11 games in 10 days out of the break is a tough start, plus there are the usual challenges with injuries, trade deadline issues and consistency.

Tampa Bay shows very little at the plate, while Griffin Jax has a poor star and the defense has some issues.

Notes

Needs, acquisition costs, fit on the field and in the clubhouse are all part of the discussions.

Notes | The lefty has had extended rest prior to his last three starts, and it seems to have helped. After Sunday he will go back into a standard rotation.

Three relievers falter in the pivotal seventh inning; an error by first baseman Ryan Vilade is also a factor.

Wilyer Abreu hit two HRs and the Red Sox rallied for a 7-6 win over the Rays on Saturday to push their winning streak to 12 games. Lefty Shane McClanahan will try to stop Boston on Sunday.