For the first time since June 2025, Corbin Burnes will be on a big-league mound tonight. He’s slated to make his long-awaited return against the Royals.

1. Luzardo strikes out 12 in CGSO

Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo delivered one of the best outings of his career on Monday. He fired a complete-game shutout to secure a series split with the Braves. Luzardo struck out 12 and allowed just three baserunners. The lefty was on the verge of taking a tough-luck no-decision, as the game was scoreless heading into the eighth inning. With two outs and nobody on, Kyle Schwarber came through with a go-ahead solo homer off Didier Fuentes. That would be all the cushion Luzardo needed. Philly remains four games back of Atlanta in the NL East. The clubs meet again later this week.

2. Nine scoreless, then nine runs

The Royals and Diamondbacks did nothing for nine innings on Monday. Then, the floodgates opened. Arizona scored five runs in the top of the 10th inning to kickstart the scoring. The damage came against Craig Kimbrel, who hadn’t allowed an earned run since joining Kansas City. The legendary closer was ultimately charged with four earned runs and took the loss. The Royals made it interesting in the bottom of the frame, pushing across four runs. A bases-clearing double by Salvador Perez cut the deficit to one and put the tying run in scoring position. Dennis Santana came on to get the final two outs and preserve the win.

3. Judge returns on Tuesday

The Yankees are getting their three-time MVP back in the lineup. Aaron Judge was activated from the 60-day IL yesterday and is expected to suit up against the Rockies tonight. He’s been out since the final day of May with a rib injury. Judge has posted a .907 OPS in 59 games this year. New York’s offense sputtered after he went down. The Yankees rank 28th in wOBA and 29th in wRC+ as a team since the beginning of June. Only the Guardians, Angels, and Mariners have scored fewer runs in that span.

Photo courtesy of Eric Hartline, Imagn Images