HR Derby field set; Shota caps strong 1st half

The Home Run Derby bracket is set after Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández joined the field, Brooks Lee earned major bragging rights by homering off Drew Thorpe, and Shota Imanaga was brilliant in his final start before the All-Star Game.

On today’s episode: 

Act I: THE BIG STORIES: (0:26-5:53)

Now that the Home Run Derby field is finalized, who should be considered the favorite? Speaking of the long ball, Twins rookie Brooks Lee crushed his second career homer on Wednesday and it'll be just as memorable for him as his first, coming off his former Cal Poly roommate Drew Thorpe. Are they still best friends after that? Plus, Shota Imanaga showed yet again why he's headed to the All-Star Game, tossing six shutout innings against MLB's best offense in Baltimore.

Act II: WHIPAROUND: (5:53-7:15)

Michael Kopech threw the White Sox's first immaculate inning in 101 years while closing out a win over the Twins. The Royals swept an I-70 series doubleheader in St. Louis. For the second time this season, Nick Pivetta struck out eight straight batters in an outing, tying Roger Clemens and his own record for the most in Red Sox history. Framber Valdez had a season-high 10 strikeouts in the Astros' win over the Marlins.

Act III: LOOKING AHEAD: (7:15-8:20)

Paul Skenes will face the first-place Brewers in his final outing before the All-Star Game. If he fares well, he'll strengthen his case to start the Midsummer Classic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices