MLB News & Notes: May 22
Check out the major news from Wednesday with the fantasy impacts that follow.
Jose Abreu (1B - HOU)
Abreu will spend a few more days in Florida before reporting to AAA this Friday. There’s a chance Abreu returns to the Astros this weekend or early next week. It’ll be interesting to see who gets sent down, as Jon Singleton is producing and has no more options. Seems like Joey Loperfido could be the odd man out this time around.
Adbert Alzolay (RP - CHC)
Alzolay had a second opinion on his forearm strain. He will be shut down for two weeks and evaluated again after that. Surgery is not off the table, but they are taking things slow to avoid injury.
Brandon Hughes (RP - ARI)
The Dbacks promoted Hughes on Wednesday to serve as the opener versus the Dodgers. Slade Cecconi was sent to AAA. Hughes had a 1.83 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 19.2 innings pitched.
Zach Neto (SS - LAA)
Neto left Wednesday’s game after making a throw to first. He was diagnosed with elbow soreness. Neto is concerned as he’s had elbow issues before, but the training staff isn’t concerned. Neto was heating up at the plate, so let’s hope it is not a major injury. Kyren Paris shifted from 2B to SS when Neto left the game.
Blake Snell (SP - SF)
Snell was activated to start on Wednesday, and Nick Avila was sent to AA. Avila could return quickly if Snell needs to leave to go on paternity leave. Snell was not sharp in his return, going 3.1 innings while allowing four earned runs, walking four, and striking out five.
Eloy Jimenez (UTIL - CWS)
Jimenez was placed on the IL with a hamstring injury, and OF Zach DeLoach was recalled from AAA. DeLoach hit .263 with two home runs and eight stolen bases at AAA.
Xander Bogaerts (2B,SS - SD)
After leaving Monday’s game with a shoulder injury, Bogaerts was placed on the IL with a fracture in his shoulder. Bogaerts will be out for at least two months with his injury and hopes to return this season. David Peralta was recalled from AAA to take Bogaerts' spot on the roster. Peralta hit .213 with two home runs and a stolen base at AAA.
Austin Riley (3B - ATL)
Riley was again out of the lineup for the Braves, making it ten games he missed without going on the 10-day IL. He did hit off a tee on Wednesday without any issues. He’s still day-to-day.
Garrett Cooper (1B - BOS)
Cooper was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup with right shoulder discomfort. The shoulder has been bothering Cooper for a few days, and it was bad enough not to play today. Dominic Smith took Cooper’s spot in the lineup and played first base.
John Means (SP - BAL)
Means struggled through his start on Wednesday, and after the game, the Orioles said He is dealing with elbow discomfort. Means will undergo further testing, and we are all hoping for the best after he has been battling injuries in recent years.
Josh Lowe (OF - TB)
Lowe left Wednesday’s game with a right-side strain. Lowe was on the IL with an oblique injury earlier this year, so this does not seem good. Lowe will undergo further testing to see if he must return to the IL. Jonny DeLuca entered the game for Lowe.
AJ Smith-Shawver (SP - ATL)
Smith-Shawver will get the call on Thursday to make the start for the Braves. Smith-Shawver has a 6.10 ERA over eight starts at AAA with 35 strikeouts over 31 innings pitched.
Ben Brown (SP - CHC)
Brown will get the spot start on Thursday for the Cubs as he’ll fill Kyle Hendricks's spot in the rotation after he was sent to the bullpen. Brown has a 3.57 ERA with a 3.60 xFIP with 39 strikeouts in 35.1 innings pitched.
Mike Baumann (RP - SEA)/Blake Hunt (C - BAL)
The Mariners and Orioles made a trade on Wednesday. The Mariners received Baumann, who was DFA’d a few days ago. Baumann had a 3.44 ERA and 4.65 xFIP over 18.1 innings with 16 strikeouts. The Mariners also received catcher Michael Perez. Hunt is playing well at AAA with a .293 batting average with four home runs and a .905 OPS.
Evan Phillips (RP - LAD)
Phillips will throw a live bullpen on Thursday at High-A Rancho Cucamonga. If all goes well, he’ll start his rehab assignment on Sunday. The Dodgers previously said Phillips would need 2-3 rehab outings before returning to the team.