MLB Player News

The start was arguably the best of the soon-to-be-21-year-old’s career, as he walked four and struck out 10 over six innings. The No. 36 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Owens registered a 4.87 ERA last season for Low-A Greenville, but also struck out 130 batters in 101 2/3 innings compared to 47 walks. Moved up to the Carolina League for his sophomore campaign, the left-hander still has bouts of inconsistency, but has definitely improved his prospect stock this season with a 2.93 ERA, 62 hits allowed and 107/47 K/BB in 92 innings.

Shewmake, 28, was off to a slow start at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, slashing .250/.314/.313 with zero homers, one RBI and one stolen base in his first 36 plate appearances. A glove-first infielder, Shewmake will add depth at the Triple-A level for the Astros.

As expected, Loperfido will be sidelined for at least a week while he continues to work his way through a right quad strain. Dustin Harris joined the Astros on Sunday to take Loperfido’s spot on the active roster.

Lowe plays against some left-handers, but he’ll get a well-deserved day off against Rays’ southpaw Shane McClanahan in this one. At least part of the day, as he’ll likely be used off the bench in a critical spot if necessary. Nick Gonzales will start in his place at second base and bat second for the Bucs. Ryan O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz will join him on the bench in this one.

It looks to be just a routine day of rest for the 23-year-old outfielder. Joey Wiemer will start in his place in the Nationals’ outfield and will bat sixth against Giants’ southpaw Robbie Ray on Sunday afternoon in Washington.

The 28-year-old outfielder will at least get a couple of days to show what he can do at the big league level with Freddie Freeman heading to the paternity list. He was crushing it at Triple-A Oklahoma City, slashing .328/.432/.588 with four homers, 14 RBI and three stolen bases in his first 81 plate appearances.

Freeman will be away from the club for a couple of days as he welcomes a new addition to his family. Ryan Ward was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move to take his spot on the Dodgers’ active roster.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for the 23-year-old hurler. Dotel was knocked around in his first three starts at Triple-A Indianapolis, registering a cringe-inducing 6.28 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and a 13/7 K/BB ratio across 14 1/3 innings. He’ll add length to the Pirates’ bullpen but probably won’t be used unless it’s an emergency situation or the game is out of reach.

Sanders had just been recalled from Triple-A on Friday but he’ll head right back there after giving up four runs on three hits and a walk in just 2/3 of an inning in his lone appearance (54.00 ERA). Sanders has terrific stuff and not much left to prove in the minor leagues, so he should get another opportunity to work out of the Pirates’ bullpen before long.

It appears to be nothing more than a routine day of rest for the 28-year-old backstop. Sal Frelick and Joey Ortiz also find themselves on the Brewers’ bench for this one against Marlins’ right-hander Eury Perez. Contreras is off to a nice start at the plate this season, slashing a healthy .306/.398/.472 with a pair of homers and 11 RBI in his first 83 plate appearances.

Jansen has been seeing nearly everyday action between the catcher and designated hitter spots in the lineup, so he’ll get a breather on Sunday. Elias Diaz will start behind the plate for the Royals and will bat ninth against Yankees’ left-hander Ryan Weathers.