MLB Player News

Escobar bolsters Toronto’s infield depth at the hot corner behind utility specialist Isaiah Kiner-Falefa and prospect Davis Schneider. The 35-year-old veteran doesn’t appear to have much left in the tank at this juncture after compiling an underwhelming .613 OPS with six homers in 309 plate appearances last year between the Mets and Angels. He’ll compete for a spot this spring on the Blue Jays’ season-opening roster.

The M’s are hopeful that the 21-year-old top prospect can infuse some life into an offense that has been struggling miserably lately. Arroyo was having a strong season in the upper minors, slashing .283/.359/.471 with 18 homers, 81 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 532 plate appearances between Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma. Expect him to jump right into an everyday role in the M’s lineup which could make him an interesting flier in deeper mixed leagues.

Tyrone Taylor replaced him in left field and will bat ninth for the Cubs in Sunday’s finale against the Marlins. The knee issue for Happ isn’t believed to be serious and the 32-year-old outfielder is considered day-to-day.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for Hjerpe, the Cardinals’ first-round selection (22nd overall) from the 2022 draft class. He has made 15 starts across four minor league levels this season, registering a 3.00 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and a 61/32 K/BB ratio over 42 innings. He could be an interesting multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen for the Cardinals in September.

The 24-year-old right-hander really struggled in his first two MLB appearances over the weekend, allowing seven runs on five hits in just 1 1/3 innings against the Rockies at Coors Field. He’ll continue to refine his craft at the Triple-A level until he’s needed once more.

The Diamondbacks are hopeful that Del Castillo will be able to provide more thump as a bench bat than Max Kepler was able to. The 26-year-old backstop has hit .199/.253/.318 with five home runs, 24 RBI and one stolen base in 192 plate appearanes on the season.

The 33-year-old outfielder struggled mightily after returning from his suspension this season, slashing a woeful .205/.262/.303 with two homers, 15 RBI and a 32/11 K/BB ratio over 145 plate appearances — primarily against right-handers. It’s possible that this could be the end of the line for him.

Quero has already appeared in 65 games for the White Sox this season, slashing .208/.279/.262 with three homers and 19 RBI in 210 plate appearances. He replaces the injured Tommy Pham (calf) on the White Sox’ active roster.

No word yet from the White Sox on how long the veteran outfielder will be shelved for. Edgar Quero was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move on Sunday to add depth to the White Sox’ bench.

Nunez will take the place of Albert Suarez in the Orioles’ bullpen. The 25-year-old hurler has posted a 4.29 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and a 55/25 K/BB ratio over 50 1/3 innings in 44 appearances with the O’s this season. He’ll function in a middle relief role.

That explains why Robert wasn’t in the Orioles’ lineup on Saturday and Sunday. He’ll be shelved for at least a week and a half while dealing with a hamstring issue. It’s a tough break for the O’s and for fantasy managers as the dynamic 29-year-old outfielder had a chance to make a major impact down the stretch. Rece Hinds was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday to provide depth in the Orioles’ outfield.