MLB Player News

As reported earlier on Thursday, the Rays will ship top pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore to St. Louis in the deal. Tampa Bay will also send over young catching prospect Edgardo Rodriguez, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, and the teams will exchange compensatory draft picks for 2020, with the Rays getting a Compensation Round A pick and the Cardinals getting a Compensation Round B selection. Martinez hit .269/.340/.410 with 10 homers in 373 at-bats for St. Louis last year, while Arozarena -- one of the better outfield prospects in the Cards’ system -- impressed with an .891 OPS in his 23 at-bats after a late-season promotion. Martinez will likely rotate between first base and DH for Tampa Bay, possibly with some playing time in the corner outfield. Arozarena figures to begin the 2020 campaign at Triple-A Durham.

Muncy was playing against most lefties before hurting his wrist last weekend, but since he’s probably still not quite 100 percent, this is a good opportunity to rest him after back-to-back starts Thursday and Friday. Santiago Espinal is playing third tonight.

Pitcher Ian Seymour fell right on the back of Neto’s head as the shortstop was sliding in and scoring on a wild pitch, and Neto was down for a while afterwards. Oswald Peraza replaced him afterwards. If Neto is forced to the IL, the Angels probably call up Denzer Guzman to play short, unless maybe they’re content with Peraza’s glove there and want to choose Christian Moore instead.

It turns out Bader isn’t sitting tonight in favor of Drew Gilbert, even if that might have been deserved. He’ll serve his second IL stint of the season after hitting .170/.198/.358 in 30 games to start his Giants career. It’ll likely be Gilbert in center against righties and Victor Bericoto in right against lefties, with Jung Hoo Lee sliding over, while Bader is out.

Brennan was just sent down Thursday upon Jung Hoo Lee’s activation. As a result of Harrison Bader’s injury, he’s returning as a backup outfielder after having gone 2-for-23 the first time around.

Garcia was hurt after turning the corner at second base and running to third on a Vinnie Pasquantino double and appeared to be in a lot of pain. If he lands on the IL, then Nick Loftin will probably take over as the Royals’ primary third baseman for a spell. The Royals have Abraham Toro, Josh Rojas and Brandon Drury all stashed in Triple-A if they want to add some veteran depth.

Nick Allen replaced him at second base against the Brewers. Shewmake was 0-for-2 with a strikeout before exiting.

McNeil, who is 1-for-19 with thres GIDPs in his last six games, played against Carlos Rodón last night, but he’s sitting against fellow lefty Ryan Weathers tonight. Alika Williams is playing second base in his place.

Stuart Fairchild replaced him to begin the fifth. Martínez struck out in both of his at-bats against Sonny Gray before departing. He’s probably day-to-day, but if this turns into an IL situation, then CJ Kayfus or George Valera could be recalled.

Severino left his start Friday after allowing four unearned runs in an inning against the Yankees. Reliever Michael Kelly is replacing him on the roster for now, but the A’s could turn to Mason Barnett in his rotation spot next week. Jack Perkins might also be an option after being extended to 63 pitches in his last relief appearance.

Kelly was supposed to be a key part of the A’s pen, but he was sent down on Apr. 9 after giving up three runs in 4 1/3 innings. He had since posted a 4.91 ERA and a 17/7 K/BB in 14 2/3 innings for Las Vegas.