MLB Player News

As Rosenthal mentions, the trade of Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees left the Padres with just two outfielders on their 40-man roster: Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jose Azocar. However, rather than go out and acquire an outfielder, the team seems likely to try out a handful of prospects who are blocked in the infield and see if any of them can make the move full-time to the outfield. Merrill was the 27th overall pick in 2021 and while he has played primarily infield in his pro career, he played outfield in the minors and the Arizona Fall League. Fellow infielder Graham Pauley is also being auditioned in the outfield, as is Jakob Marsee, who was the MVP of the Arizona Fall League and last season became the first minor leaguer to produce a season of 15 homers, 90 walks and 40 stolen bases since at least 2005. Marsee has only played 16 games at Double-A, while Pauley played 20 and Merrill played 46, so it would be a big jump for all three players, but the opportunity is there is one of them shines in the spring.

The left-hander will now begin a lengthy rehab process to build up his pitch count before returning to the Mets rotation. Assuming his rehab assignment progresses normally, we could see Manaea back in the Mets rotation by the end of July.

Sheehan also struck out five and didn’t walk anybody while throwing 27 of his 39 pitches for strikes. The 25-year-old is working his way back from last year’s Tommy John surgery and will need a few more starts before he becomes an option for the Dodgers’ rotation.

Mauricio, who is coming off a torn ACL, is now up to four stolen bases while slashing .515/.564/.818 in nine games at Triple-A with three home runs, eight RBI, and a 5/5 K/BB ratio. Since getting to Triple-A, Mauricio has split his time between second base and third base. It seems that the Mets may be positioning Mauricio to take Luisangel Acuna’s spot on the roster. Acuna has hit just .204 in 21 games in May, so the Mets may see if Mauricio can bring a bit more juice.

Lawlar is back in Triple-A and right back where he left off. At some point, he’s going to get a shot at full-time playing time at the big league level, but it seems like the Diamondbacks would need to fall out of contention this year for that to happen.

He also played the entire game in left field. Cowser has been in Triple-A since Thursday, and he may need a few more games before the Orioles bring him back up to the big leagues. It shouldn’t be too much longer, so it’s time to stash Cowser if he’s available in your league.

The 21-year-old is now up to 20 steals on the season while slashing .338/.407/.438 with 23 RBI, 38 runs scored, and a 46/24 K/BB ratio in 49 games at Triple-A. He seems ready for the big leagues, but there is no space for him in the Phillies’ outfield right now.

The 11th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, House has taken his game to another level this season. He’s slashing .292/.350/.509 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI, and 38 runs scored. The Nationals have already called up OF prospect Robert Hassell II when an opportunity presented itself, and House could be next since third base is an area of need in Washington.

The left-hander also struck out five and walked one in the outing. Cantillo was sent down to the minors to be stretched out as a starter. He threw 62 pitches in this one, 42 for strikes, so he should be pushed over 70 pitches in his next outing.

This move was reported late last night and is now official. The 10th-ranked prospect in baseball hit 322/.389/.593 with 15 homers, 56 RBI, two stolen bases in 229 plate appearances in the minor leagues this season. He will now take over as the everyday right fielder in Kansas City and should be added in all fantasy leagues.

The team needed a spot for top prospect Jac Caglianone, so they decided to send Blanco to the minors. It’s a bit of an odd move since Blanco is a strong fourth outfielder and elite baserunner, but the Royals don’t seem to believe their current MLB team needs that skillset.