MLB Player News

The 21-year-old Lofgren, one of the top lefties in the minors, was 5-4 with a 4.03 ERA, 61 H and 65/25 K/BB in 60 1/3 innings for Double-A Akron before his promotion.

It’s fair to wonder how much longer the Cardinals will continue sticking with Scott, despite his defensive abilities, since he’s hitting .197/.254/.213 with three steals in 24 games this season. They have top prospect Joshua Báez, who has homered five times in 21 games at Triple-A Memphis this season, waiting on the doorstep of the majors if they decide to make a change in the near future. Báez is striking out nearly 30 percent of the time and could use some additional seasoning, but Scott’s lack of production figures to shorten his timeline to the big leagues.

Getz elaborated that the White Sox are opting to proceed with an abundance of caution with Teel’s ramp-up process given how much time he’s missed recovering from a hamstring strain during last month’s World Baseball Classic. The 24-year-old backstop figures to be cleared at some point soon to head to Triple-A Charlotte, but fantasy managers shouldn’t anticipate him back until at least early May.

Chaparro returns in a bench role for the Nationals after getting into three contests last month at the outset of the season. The 26-year-old has homered three times in 18 games at Triple-A Rochester. He can be safely ignored in fantasy leagues for now.

Both clubs are permitted an extra position player for the international showdown. Song would be making his major-league debut if he gets into a game. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $15 million contract during the offseason before missing time with an oblique strain during spring training.

Piñango receives his first call up to the majors with Nathan Lukes (hamstring) hitting the injured list. The 23-year-old has some over-the-fence pop, but still hits the ball on the ground too much to envision a huge power breakthrough. He’s .288/.370/.488 with three homers and two steals in 22 games for Triple-A Buffalo this season. He belted 15 homers in 131 games across two levels in Toronto’s system last year. He’s an interesting prospect, but unlikely to make an instant fantasy impact.

Lukes is likely to miss a couple weeks after suffering a hamstring strain during Friday’s game against the Guardians. The 31-year-old’s absence is another hit to the Blue Jays’ outfield depth, but he’s a non-factor for fantasy purposes.

It’s a procedural move to free up a spot on Toronto’s 40-man roster. The 35-year-old righty is working his way back from last year’s elbow surgery and won’t be an option until sometime around midseason.

Cora added that Brayan Bello will make his next start on Wednesday against the Blue Jays after being lit up for eight runs over 3 1/3 innings on Friday against the Orioles. Gray appears on track to return in early May against the Tigers. The interesting question is whether top pitching prospect Payton Tolle will be shipped back to the minors when that happens. It’s a variable to consider for fantasy managers rostering the fire-balling southpaw following an impressive debut against the Yankees earlier this week.

It’s notable that Rutschman is back behind the plate for Saturday afternoon’s matinee at Camden Yards after handling the catching duties during Friday night’s matchup where he went 3-for-5 with two homers and six RBI. Clearly, the Orioles want to keep his red-hot bat in the lineup, but it’s a bit surprising he’s not at DH. The decision likely puts Samuel Basallo, who also homered during Friday’s blowout, in line to catch Sunday’s series finale.

O’Neill was activated prior to Friday’s series opener but didn’t end up making an appearance. The 30-year-old slugging corner outfielder wound up missing just over two weeks with a concussion. He’s back in right field and hitting fifth in his first game action since April 8.