MLB Player News

Nothing official from the Blue Jays yet, who unveiled the unofficial changes in progress last week to reporters. Mitchell adds that his sources indicate the most notable dimension change involves moving the right-center field alley in from 375 to 357 feet, which should make playing center field in Toronto much more challenging experience for outfielders. There are also small changes like the left-center field fences being moved in from 375 feet to 366 feet and center-field going from 400 feet to 397 feet. Those dimension changes are being offset by significantly higher outfield walls in certain sections, so it’s unclear whether the changes will lead to more round-trippers. We’ll see.

Torres has been playing second base and the outfield for Triple-A Memphis this season. Nathan Church was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder strain as a corresponding move. Church had been a regular in the outfield for St. Louis, so there’s playing time available. José Fermín drew the start in left field on Thursday, a game Church missed.

Church had started 27 consecutive games in the outfield prior to missing Thursday’s contest with the injury. The Cardinals called up 28-year-old INF/OF Bryan Torres as a corresponding move.

Brown’s last start came on March 31, so he’ll likely need several rehab outings before he’s ready to rejoin the Houston rotation. He was diagnosed with a Grade 2 shoulder strain and given a two-month timeline to return. The Astros will surely welcome back their ace once he’s ready, as they enter Friday with the worst ERA in MLB. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com notes that Josh Hader (biceps) is scheduled to pitch in Sunday’s Double-A contest as well.

Joe had been filling the weak-side platoon role Victor Robles occupied to open the year. Robles (pec) had been sidelined since early April and was activated from the IL as a corresponding move.

Connor Joe was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma as a corresponding move. Robles has been sidelined since early April with a strained pec. He began the year in a weak-side platoon role with Luke Raley in right field. Joe had been filling that role lately, so expect Robles to slide right back into it. Seattle visits the Royals for a three-game set beginning Friday, with left-hander Noah Cameron set to toe the rubber for KC.

Michael Conforto will draw another start as the team’s designated hitter and bat sixth. Ballesteros had a stretch through early May where he was starting regularly against righties, often hitting second. He’s been in the lineup for just two of the past six they’ve faced, however. The decreased playing time comes as he’s hitting .034/.065/.034 over his past 31 plate appearances. Conforto, meanwhile, has posted some of the best expected stats in MLB this season.

Back tightness can be a tricky thing for hitters, given all the torque in swinging. While there’s no timeline yet for Shaw’s return, it is likely going to be a few weeks. This will give top prospect Pedro Ramirez a chance to establish himself as a worthwhile player to have on the active roster.

The Cubs have not officially announced a move yet, but this is a pretty good indicator that Ramirez is up with the team this weekend. The switch-hitter is slashing.312/.395/.547 with nine home runs, 19 steals, and 40 RBI in 43 games at Triple-A this season. He has spent most of the season playing second base and third base, but has been playing some left field of late. Until we know what the corresponding roster move is, it’s hard to know for sure how much Ramirez will play, but his talent is certainly intriguing.

That’s not ideal for anybody with Lovelady on their team. Now that Clayton Beeter is back, the nationals may no longer be looking at Lovelady as a late inning option. He’ll face a really dangerous top of the Atlanta order on Friday, so we would remove him from your lineups if you can.

Gonzalez will get the call with Tristan Gray going on maternity list. He will serve as a backup outfielder for the weekend and then likely head back to the minors.