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Yandy Díaz, the American League's top hitter, left Sunday's game against Arizona with a strained shoulder, and Tampa Bay is holding its breath. Díaz had been carrying that lineup all season, so losing him even short-term is a serious blow to a Rays club already fighting for position.
Shifting to the World Cup, and Folarin Balogun says the United States team has found another gear now that the knockout rounds are underway. The forward told reporters he can feel the difference in the atmosphere, and if that energy translates onto the pitch, this American squad could be genuinely dangerous as the bracket tightens.
And speaking of the knockout stage, Brazil and Japan square off Monday in what looks like a heavyweight-versus-underdog matchup on paper, but Japan has earned every bit of respect heading into this one. SportsLine's Jon Eimer has been on a thirty-one and thirteen run with his picks, and he's got strong opinions on how this one plays out. Do not sleep on the Japanese.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
