Twins lose a half-game

Oakland's Kurt Suzuki doubled in the walk-off run as Oakland beats Minnesota, 3-2. The Twins drop a half game in the standings, falling to 1 1/2 games behind the White Sox in the AL Central.

Still thinking the Twins have slide potential down the stretch. They're not a great offensive team, and their pitchers are young. The Sox can mash, even if they struggle to hit for average, and their veteran staff might help in September.

McCarthy mac daddy

Brandon McCarthy's second start for the Texas Rangers proves that much more impressive than his first. McCarthy's line against the Angels:

6 IP | 6 H | 2 R | 1 ER | 1 BB | 2 K | 1 HR | 1.80 ERA

That beats the four innings, four walks from his Saturday outing against Cleveland -- his first appearance since September, 2007.

Update: The Texas bullpen blows McCarthy's lead in the 8th, giving up 5 runs. Jamey Wright is credited with four of them as Texas falls, 7-5.

Fantasy Impact: Big things have been expected from McCarthy for years now. He might be able to give you a little boost down the stretch, if his bullpen can hold leads.