AL East Notes: Bogaerts, Tanaka, Rays save season

At age 23, Xander Bogaerts has emerged as a superstar for the Boston Red Sox, adding to Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. as pieces to build around for the future. For the second straight day in a row, Bogaerts went 4-for-5, including his eighth home run of the season (giving him one more than his 2015 season total).

His average has soared up to .358 for the season, and there have been only two shortstops in the last 50 seasons to have a batting average that high: Nomar Garciaparra hit .372 in 2000 and Alex Rodriguez his .358 in 1996.

More news from around the American League East:

• Masahiro Tanaka costs the Yankees $155 million, and he is pitching more like a number three pitcher than one that can headline a rotation says Kevin Kernan of the New York Post. The numbers tell a story of a pitcher who struggles to adjust to four days rest, but thrives on five-days rest.
• After a rough start to their road trip, including a sweep at the hands of the Royals, the Rays were able to right the ship and finish the trip with a 5-5 record, which might have just saved their season.
• Ryan Flaherty’s value to the Orioles is in his ability to play multiple positions defensively, but lately he has been able to help on offense as well.
• The Blue Jays have turned their set-up roll over to Jason Grilli, who they acquired from the Braves back on May 31.