MLB Player News

Patterson had a 1.05 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings, most of them coming at Double-A, but the Yankees never gave him a callup. A 28-year-old former indy leaguer, he might make his major league debut at some point in 2008 if he can get off to a good start in Triple-A. He’s not a good bet to establish himself as a late-game reliever, but it’d be a nice story if he did.

It appears to just be a day off for Melendez; even with right-hander Freddy Peralta on the bump for the Brewers. Cavan Biggio will be the starting left fielder in Melendez’s absence.

McCalvy notes that Alexander threw a bullpen Wednesday. The Brewers have dealt with injuries to their starting rotation — and poor results — so they’ll give Alexander a shot; although likely one that doesn’t see him go deep into the game. Fantasy managers can find a better streamer if they need one.

Urshela is off to a slow start, as he’s picked up hits in just 2-of-18 at-bats in his six starts. He’ll take a seat with Luis Urias hitting seventh and handling third base.

Diaz, 28, will likely need to make a handful of appearances — at minimum — before he’s ready to return to the Cincinnati bullpen. Once back, he should regain his status as the team’s closer. He’s a flawed option, but one that obviously has some fantasy appeal.

Abbott struck out four and walked two. Both runs came on solo homers for the 25-year-old in an otherwise successful start. Abbott likely will make one more rehab start Sunday, and then should return to the Reds’ rotation late next week.

Bart will get the matinee off with Endy Rodriguez catching Paul Skenes on Wednesday.

Tomczyk notes that the soreness has affected Reynolds’ ability to throw, which is why he’s been at the designated hitter position for the past few games. The 30-year-old has at least been in the lineup, but fantasy managers will want to keep an eye and make sure that he’s playing until the soreness subsides.

Kevin Newman, who sat on Tuesday against a lefty, will sit again on Wednesday, which could be an indication that the Angels are re-evaluating how they are approaching the shortstop position. Presumed starter Zach Neto (shoulder) began his rehab assignment on Tuesday, so the Angels may only need to piece things together for another couple of weeks, but Lopez will draw his first start on Wednesday.

While this may seem like a cautious placement for the first-round pick, the Blue Jays allegedly want Yesavage to avoid the April weather in Vancouver, where their High-A team is located. If the 21-year-old pitches like many expect he will, he should be moving up shortly.

With the Blue Jays facing left-hander MacKenzie Gore, they will go with a righty-heavy outfield with Schneider in left field and Myles Straw in center field. Both Nathan Lukes and Alan Roden will move to the bench.