The Opener

As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. All-Star Voting begins:

The first phase of MLB’s All-Star fan voting opened yesterday. Phase one of voting will continue until June 27 at 11am CT. Fans are allowed to vote five times per day and, as per usual, vote for one infielder at each position per league, one DH per league, and three outfielders per league. Much like last year, the player who receives the most votes overall in each league will be automatically assured a starting spot at their position on their league’s All-Star roster, while the top two infielders at each position per league, top two DHs per league, and top six outfielders per league will all move on to the second phase of voting, which runs from June 30 to July 3. You can follow this link to cast a ballot for yourself.

2. Povich to debut:

The Orioles are promoting top pitching prospect Cade Povich for his major league debut later today, as manager Brandon Hyde told reporters last night. Povich is not yet on the club’s 40-man roster, but a corresponding move won’t be necessary as Baltimore has had space available since right-hander Thyago Vieira was designated for assignment earlier this week.

Selected by the Twins in the third round of the 2021 draft, Povich came over to the Orioles alongside Yennier Cano in the trade that sent Jorge Lopez to Minnesota. His first full season in Baltimore was a difficult one (5.04 ERA in 126 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A), but he’s enjoyed plenty of success at Triple-A in 2024. In 56 2/3 innings, Povich has posted a 3.18 ERA with a fantastic 32.5% strikeout rate while cutting his walk rate from last year’s 12% to a more manageable 9.1%. Povich, who recently landed 99th on Baseball America’s updated top-100 prospect list, will take the mound opposite Blue Jays lefty Yusei Kikuchi (3.66 ERA) at 1:07pm local time.

3. White Sox’ historic skid continues:

It’s hardly a surprise that the 2024 campaign has been a brutal one for the White Sox after the club lost 101 games last year, made only token additions to the club’s roster during the offseason, and traded ace Dylan Cease to the Padres just before Opening Day. Even when considering those factors, however, the season has been a tough one for fans on the south side of Chicago. The club enters play today with a brutal 15-47 record, “good” for a whopping 26 games back in the AL Central. They’ve reached this low point as a result of an ongoing streak of 13 consecutive losses that includes series sweeps at the hands of the Cubs, Brewers, Blue Jays, and Orioles.

As noted by MLB.com’s Scott Merkin last night, those 13 consecutive losses tie a record from a century ago for the longest losing streak in franchise history. The White Sox will look to avoid breaking that record at 7:10pm local time this evening, when the visiting Red Sox come to town. That task won’t be easy for the club as they’re scheduled to face right-hander Tanner Houck (1.85 ERA), who has been one of the league’s most effective pitchers thus far. One silver lining for Chicago is the recent return of star center fielder Luis Robert Jr. who collected two hits (including a home run) against the Cubs in his first game back from the injured list on Tuesday.

As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Skenes to face the Dodgers:

Four starts into his big league career, Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes has lived up to his reputation as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and the consensus top pitching prospect in baseball. After a shaky major league debut, Skenes has allowed just three in three starts while dominating the Cubs, Giants, and Tigers with 23 strikeouts in his past 18 innings of work. That’s all come together to give the 22-year-old a 2.45 ERA and 2.41 FIP with a huge 35.7% strikeout rate across 22 innings in the majors.

Tonight, Skenes is set to face the biggest challenge of his young career as he takes the mound against the Dodgers. With a trio of MVPs at the top of the order in Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman, the L.A. offense has established itself as the class of the National League, leading the league in OBP (.333), ISO (.174), and wRC+ (120) despite struggles from bottom-of-the-order hitters like Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez. Last night’s game saw the other rising star in Pittsburgh’s rotation, lefty Jared Jones, dazzle against the Dodgers with six scoreless innings and six strikeouts in a 1-0 Pirates victory. Skenes will attempt to lead the club to victory in similar fashion at 6:40pm local time tonight opposite veteran lefty James Paxton (3.29 ERA).

2. Munoz to undergo MRI:

Mariners closer Andres Munoz exited last night’s game when a play at the plate against A’s infielder Max Schuemann resulted in a collision caused left Munoz to hit the ground awkwardly. Following the game, manager Scott Servais told reporters (including Daniel Kramer of MLB.com) that the incident aggravated a lower back issue Munoz has been dealing with. The 25-year-old will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the issue.

One of the most talented closers in the game, Munoz has posted a sterling 1.73 ERA while striking out 35.6% of batters faced this season and converting 12 of 13 save opportunities across 26 innings. That dominant performance has been especially helpful for a Seattle bullpen that has been without both Matt Brash and Gregory Santos all season and recently lost lefty Gabe Speier to the injured list as well. Lefty Tayler Saucedo stepped in to finish last night’s game after Munoz departed, and he could be a candidate for the ninth inning alongside veteran righty Ryne Stanek in the event that Munoz requires a trip to the injured list.

3. Eflin to be activated:

The Rays are set to welcome right-hander Zach Eflin back from the injured list today for a start against the Marlins, as noted by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The 30-year-old is in the second season of a three-year, $40MM pact that looks like a shrewd investment. In 41 starts for the Rays, Eflin has posted a 3.65 ERA (112 ERA+) with an excellent 3.17 FIP while striking out 24.2% of batters in 236 2/3 innings of work. That FIP is good for seventh among all pitchers with at least 200 innings since the start of the 2023 campaign.

Eflin’s return is key for the Rays as they attempt to work their way back into the AL playoff picture. The club is currently tied with the Red Sox for third place in the AL East with a 30-31 record, placing them 3.5 games back in the AL Wild Card race. With the trade deadline less than two months away, Eflin could become a trade candidate for the Rays this summer if they’re unable to get over .500 and put themselves more firmly into the playoff conversation. That effort will continue at 6:40pm local time tonight, when Eflin takes the mound against Marlins lefty Braxton Garrett (4.56 ERA).

As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Tucker nursing injury:

Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker exited yesterday’s win over the Cardinals after fouling a ball off of his shin. Manager Joe Espada told reporters (including Chandler Rome of The Athletic) after the game that Tucker was dealing with a right shin contusion and that he had already undergone x-rays, which “looked good.” Espada indicated that Tucker is day-to-day for the time being, although he didn’t rule out a potential trip to the injured list. Chas McCormick and Mauricio Dubon have been splitting time in left field for the Astros lately, and the duo figures to each get more regular reps in the event that Tucker misses time.

Losing Tucker for virtually any length of time would be a devastating blow to an Astros club that is just 27-34 this season, seven games back of the Mariners for the AL West lead. Houston’s struggles on the field have been in no way due to their 27-year-old outfielder, who has delivered an MVP-caliber performance. In 262 trips to the plate, Tucker has slashed an excellent .266/.395/.584 — good for a 176 wRC+. The star outfielder has walked (17.6%) more than he’s struck out (15.6%) while delivering career-best power output (19 homers, .318 ISO in 60 games), going 10-for-10 in stolen bases, and playing plus defense in right field.

2. Padres prospect set for debut:

The Padres are poised to select the contract of right-hander Adam Mazur, who’ll make his MLB debut when he starts tonight’s game against the Angels. Mazur, 23, was San Diego’s second-round pick in the 2022 draft and has generally enjoyed success as he’s ascended the minor league ladder, although he’s stumbled a bit upon being promoted to Triple-A earlier this year. In four starts at the level, Mazur has yielded a 7.11 ERA in 19 innings of work, although he’s nonetheless struck out opponents at a decent 22.7% clip.

Mazur’s debut comes at a time when the Friars have incurred a rash of injuries to the major league rotation, with both Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish on the injured list. The Padres will have to clear space on the club’s active and 40-man rosters for Mazur, although the latter can be easily achieved by transferring Glenn Otto to the 60-day injured list. Mazur’s debut is scheduled for 6:38pm local time opposite left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who has struggled to a 5.34 ERA in 12 starts for Anaheim this season.

3. MLBTR Chat today:

The past week has been a busy one around baseball as teams such as the Tigers, Mets, and Twins have all shuffled their rosters and removed some notable names from the big league mix, including Spencer Torkelson, Brett Baty, and Edouard Julien. If you have any questions about how your favorite team is playing so far, or perhaps questions that look ahead to the July 30 trade deadline or the upcoming offseason, MLBTR’s Steve Adams will host a live chat with readers today at 1pm CT. You can click here to ask a question in advance, and that same link will allow you to join in on the chat once it begins or read the transcript after it is completed.

With the calendar now flipped to June, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Tigers roster moves incoming:

The Tigers are set to promote third base/outfield prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy to the big leagues today. Corresponding moves to clear space on the active and 40-man rosters will be needed, though one of those has already come to light, as Detroit will reportedly option former No. 1 overall draft pick Spencer Torkelson to Triple-A Toledo.

Torkelson, 24, enjoyed what appeared to be a breakout second half last year with the Tigers as he slashed .261/.345/.576 with 16 home runs in his final 48 games. That strong production unfortunately has not carried over into the 2024 campaign, and the slugger has hit a paltry .201/.266/.330 with just four home runs in 54 games so far this season. Veterans Gio Urshela and Mark Canha are among the first base-capable options who could step into Torkelson’s shoes.

Malloy is in his second season with the Tigers organization after coming over from the Braves in the Joe Jimenez trade and has done nothing but hit at the Triple-A level since arriving in Toledo. He slashed .277/.417/.474 last season and has delivered a very similar .252/.410/.473 slash line in 45 games this season. Malloy has plenty of experience at the hot corner, but the Tigers said prior to the season that he’d play the outfield exclusively this year.

2. Snell to the IL?

Reigning NL Cy Young award winner Blake Snell’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. The San Francisco southpaw has already spent time on the injured list due to an adductor strain and has an ugly 9.51 ERA with an 11.8% walk rate against a 26.1% strikeout rate across six starts this season. That all came before Snell suffered a groin injury yesterday that required him to leave his start against the Yankees in the fifth inning.

Snell is set to undergo an MRI today and appears poised to make a second trip to the injured list since signing with the Giants. With Alex Cobb, Robbie Ray, Keaton Winn, and Tristan Beck already on the IL, the Giants will have just three regular starters left in their rotation: Logan Webb, Kyle Harrison, and Jordan Hicks. Long reliever Spencer Howard could pitch in a bulk role during bullpen games for the Giants, and Triple-A arms Mason Black, Landen Roupp, and Kai-Wei Teng could all be options to replace Snell in the club’s rotation.

3. Middleton meeting with Tommy John specialist:

The Cardinals have been without veteran reliever Keynan Middleton, who signed with the club on a one-year, $6MM pact over the offseason, for the entire regular season to this point. It now appears possible that Middleton’s absence from the club’s bullpen could last the entire season. Middleton is reportedly poised to meet with UCL expert Dr. Christopher Ahmad for a second opinion. In addition to costing Middleton the remainder of the season, surgery would also surely prompt the Cardinals to decline their $6MM 2025 club option on the veteran right-hander in favor of a $1MM buyout.

As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world headed into the weekend:

1. Series Preview: Padres @ Royals

An interleague set between a pair of playoff contenders is set to take place this weekend, as the Padres head to Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City to take on the Royals. San Diego has enjoyed an 8-5 record the past two weeks as they’ve climbed into a tie with the Giants for the second of three NL Wild Card spots with a 30-29 record. Meanwhile, the Royals are coming off a tough series loss against the division-rival Twins but enjoyed an eight-game winning streak not long before that, placing them in the second AL Wild Card spot and just three games back of the Guardians for the AL Central lead with a 35-23 record.

The series kicks off at 7:10pm local time this evening with Padres ace Dylan Cease (3.29 ERA) facing off against Royals veteran (and former Padre) Michael Wacha (4.31 ERA). Saturday will see veteran righty Joe Musgrove (5.66 ERA) take on Royals youngster Alec Marsh (3.24 ERA). Notably, if Musgrove can pick up seven punchouts, he’ll reach 1000 strikeouts from his career — making him the 554th pitcher in MLB history to hit that milestone. The Royals have not yet announced who will take the ball opposite Michael King (4.09 ERA) on Sunday, though lefty Cole Ragans (3.49 ERA) appears to be the next in line barring a shakeup of the club’s rotation.

2. Yelich approaching milestone:

Christian Yelich’s home run on Wednesday was the 199th of his career, leaving him one round-tripper shy of becoming the 373rd player in MLB history to club 200 homers. Yelich’s next big fly will tie him with another former MVP, Josh Hamilton, and 11-time All-Star Bill Freehan on the all-time list.

The 32-year-old Yelich looked to be on the decline in 2021-22 before a rebound campaign in 2023, and the 2024 season has seen him bounce all the way back to MVP-caliber form — at least through a sample of 128 plate appearances. (Yelich missed a bit more than three weeks with a back strain.) In 30 games this year, Yelich is hitting .297/.386/.532 (160 wRC+) with six home runs, four doubles, a pair of triples and seven steals (in eight tries). He’ll take aim at joining the 200 club this weekend when the White Sox visit Milwaukee and send Erick Fedde, Garrett Crochet and rookie Nick Nastrini to the mound.

3. Reetz to exit DFA limbo:

When the Giants signed lefty Drew Pomeranz to a big league deal last week, the club needed to clear space on its 40-man roster to accommodate the newly-signed veteran. They did so by designating catcher Jakson Reetz for assignment, opening up a one-week window for the club to either execute a trade of Reetz or attempt to pass him through waivers. That window expires today, meaning that an announcement regarding Reetz’s future should be expected at some point today. Reetz made it into five games for the Giants in his first big league action since 2021, going 1-for-12 at the plate with a home run and four strikeouts.

The 28-year-old has bounced around multiple organizations as upper-level catching depth in recent years, and belting 29 homers and 36 doubles in exactly 600 career Triple-A plate appearances (with an overall .236/.334/.483 batting line). A team willing to dedicate a 40-man roster spot to him could continue to use him in that role, as Reetz has multiple options remaining. Of course, for a player that has regularly been available on a minor league deal in recent years, it’s perhaps more likely that he will simply clear waivers and be outrighted to the minor leagues by the Giants. Reetz has been outrighted previously in his career and would be able to reject such an assignment in favor of free agency.

As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Mets roster moves incoming:

The Mets will designate right-hander Jorge Lopez for assignment today on the heels of an outburst wherein the 31-year-old threw his glove into the stands after a rough outing and then cursed while being critical of the team and/or himself in postgame comments that have created a good bit of controversy. Whether Lopez intended to criticize the team, himself or both, he’ll now be replaced on the club’s active roster. Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that left-hander Danny Young, who pitched three scoreless innings for the club earlier this year, will be recalled in his place.

Sammon goes on to suggest that more moves to renovate the club’s bullpen could be on the table, while MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo relays that the club will receive CT scan results regarding Pete Alonso today after he was struck in the hand by a pitch. While initial x-rays came back negative, DiComo noted that the Mets won’t know for sure if Alonso suffered a break or not until they receive today’s results. If Alonso were to miss time, that could open up regular reps at first base for corner infielder Mark Vientos, allowing fellow developing third baseman Brett Baty to take everyday at-bats at the hot corner.

2. Darvish awaiting test results:

Veteran right-hander Yu Darvish lasted just three innings during yesterday’s start against the Marlins. Padres skipper Mike Shildt said after the game that the 37-year-old righty was dealing with tightness in his left hamstring (X link via AJ Cassavell of MLB.com). Darvish underwent was set for imaging on his ailing leg in the aftermath of yesterday’s loss, and it’s likely results will be publicly revealed today.

Darvish has pitched to an excellent 3.20 ERA with a 3.48 FIP and a 23.1% strikeout rate across 11 starts this season, acting as an anchor for the San Diego rotation alongside Dylan Cease. Right-hander Randy Vasquez figures to be the next man up in the event that Darvish requires a trip to the injured list, although the 25-year-old has struggled to a 5.82 ERA in five starts for the club this season.

3. Nootbaar to undergo MRI:

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters (including MLB.com’s John Denton) that outfielder Lars Nootbaar exited yesterday’s game against the Reds with “lingering pain” in his left side after he initially grabbed at his side following a checked swing earlier in the game. Nootbaar already missed the first two weeks of the season due to fractures in his ribcage.

When healthy enough to take the field, Nootbaar has hit fairly well for the Cardinals this year with a 117 wRC+ in 39 games. It’s possible the club could turn to Victor Scott II or Jordan Walker to fill out their outfield mix in the event that Nootbaar requires another trip to the shelf, although after the pair’s struggles earlier this year it’s also possible they offer regular outfield reps to Alec Burleson while calling up Luken Baker to serve as the club’s DH alongside veteran Matt Carpenter.

As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Braves prospect promotion:

The Braves are reportedly set to promote right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach to the majors prior to today’s game, when he’ll be taking the ball in Atlanta for his major league debut opposite Trevor Williams of the Nationals. Schwellenbach’s contract will need to be selected to the big league roster before he can make his debut, but since the Braves already have a vacancy on their 40-man roster, they’ll only require a corresponding 26-man roster move. (Even if Atlanta needed a 40-man move, transferring either Ronald Acuna Jr. or Spencer Strider to the 60-day IL would be a straightforward solution.) The club’s second-round pick from the 2021 draft, Schwellenbach has not yet reached the Triple-A level but has been dominant this year with a 1.80 ERA and a 29.1% strikeout rate in 45 innings of work across eight starts between High-A and Double-A.

2. O’Neill to undergo imaging:

Red Sox outfielder Tyler O’Neill has returned to Boston ahead of scheduled imaging on his right knee, manager Alex Cora told reporters (including MLB.com’s Ian Browne) yesterday afternoon. O’Neill, who last appeared in a game on May 25, was one of the best hitters in the sport during the first month of the season but has struggled to a .151/.244/.301 slash line in 20 games during the month of May. O’Neill told reporters over the weekend that he had been playing through discomfort in his knee that was “probably” affecting his swing.

According to Cora, today’s imaging is for the sake of “reassurance” rather than concern from the team that O’Neill is suffering from a serious injury. Even so, it would hardly be a surprise if O’Neill’s ailing knee landed him on the injured list. If O’Neill were to miss time, outfielder Rob Refsnyder and first baseman Garrett Cooper could step into larger roles as right-handed bats in the lineup to complement lefties Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and Dominic Smith in the outfield, first base, and DH mix for the Red Sox.

3. Volpe extends hitting streak to 20 games:

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has been impressive in 2024, hitting .285/.356/.434 across his 250 trips to the plate. Most recently, Volpe’s heroics have come in the form of a 20-game hitting streak, which is the first hitting streak to reach 20 games in the Bronx since Robinson Cano achieved the feat back in 2012. Volpe has slashed a whopping .337/.376/.535 over the course of the streak, during which the Yankees have posted a 14-6 record. As noted by Sarah Langs of MLB.com over the weekend, Volpe’s hitting streak is the longest of any Yankee 23 years old or younger since Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio, who enjoyed a pair of hitting streaks lasting 21 and 22 games respectively back in 1937. Volpe will have a chance to match the shorter of DiMaggio’s two streaks in Anaheim this evening against Angels lefty Patrick Sandoval.

Two months after Opening Day, here are three things to keep an eye on around the world of baseball this Tuesday:

1. Angel Hernandez retires:

Umpire Angel Hernandez, a controversial figure in Major League Baseball for more than 30 years, is hanging up his hat. He issued a statement via MLB on Monday evening confirming his decision. Hernandez said umpiring in the majors was a “childhood dream” come true, but cited spending “more time with my family” as the primary reason for his retirement. However, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that Hernandez “reached a settlement to leave Major League Baseball,” effective immediately. Bob Nightengale of USA Today adds that the sides had “spent the past two weeks negotiating a financial settlement before reaching a resolution over the weekend.”

Hernandez was one of the most senior umpires in the league, but he has long had a reputation for making incorrect calls and unnecessary ejections. In recent years, he has been in and out of the headlines as he attempted to sue Major League Baseball for racial discrimination. He ultimately lost the suit and his subsequent appeal.

More on Hernandez and his retirement will likely trickle out in the coming days, such as statements from his fellow umpires and the commissioner’s office, and perhaps more news about the terms of his settlement.

2. Cristian Javier, José Urquidy to undergo imaging:

Astros manager Joe Espada says his starting pitchers Cristian Javier and José Urquidy will undergo imaging today (per Chandler Rome of The Athletic). The team will likely offer an update on their respective injuries ahead of tonight’s game against the Mariners. Javier landed on the injured list on Monday (retroactive to May 24) with right forearm discomfort. Urquidy, who has been out all season with a right forearm strain he suffered in spring training, recently left a minor league rehab start with the same issue: more forearm discomfort in his pitching arm.

The Astros have had to deal with several injuries to their starting pitchers this season, though thankfully for Houston, Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander are back in the rotation, as is Ronel Blanco, who was recently suspended for 10 games for violating MLB’s foreign substances policy. Hunter Brown and Spencer Arrighetti currently round out the big league rotation, while recent minor league signing Eric Lauer offers additional depth.

3. MLBTR chat today:

This past weekend brought the news of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending injury and a report that teams are planning for NPB star Roki Sasaki to be posted this winter. If you have any questions about how your favorite team is playing so far, or perhaps questions that look ahead to the July 30 trade deadline or the upcoming offseason, MLBTR’s Steve Adams will host a live chat with readers today at 1pm CT. You can click here to ask a question in advance, and that same link will allow you to join in on the chat once it begins or read the transcript after it is completed.

Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around baseball this Memorial Day:

1. Astros to recall José Abreu

The Astros are set to recall veteran first baseman José Abreu from Triple-A ahead of their game with the Mariners this evening. Abreu himself first made the announcement, while manager Joe Espada later confirmed the news (per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle).

The former AL MVP agreed to be optioned to the Astros’ spring training facility in West Palm Beach after a dreadful performance this April (.099/.156/.113 in 22 games). Evidently, the team has decided that he showed enough improvement to warrant his return to the majors. Abreu himself called the demotion “the best thing I’ve ever gone through,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to clear his head and fix his swing (per Chandler Rome of The Athletic).

The 37-year-old played a couple of games at Triple-A Sugar Land this weekend, and although he went 0-for-7, Astros GM Dana Brown said, “It’s not really about the hits. We want to make sure he’s getting quality at-bats. Sounds like he had a few quality at-bats” (as relayed by Rome).

2. Nationals to activate Lane Thomas:

Nationals manager Dave Martinez told reporters (including Mark Zuckerman of MASN) that right fielder Lane Thomas “should be ready” to return from the injured list in time for this afternoon’s game against the Braves at Truist Park. Thomas has not played since April 23, when he exited with a left knee sprain. He will likely take Jesse Winker’s spot in the lineup today, as Winker takes a day off with a cramp in his left quad (per Zuckerman), but Martinez did not comment on any potential transactions to open up a spot for Thomas on the Nationals’ 26-man roster.

Although Thomas was off to a slow start before his injury, slashing .184/.250/.253 in 22 games, Washington will surely be pleased to have him back on the active roster. The 28-year-old was the team’s most productive player in 2023, hitting 28 homers, swiping 20 bags, and scoring 101 runs while racking up 3.1 FanGraphs WAR. Even if he continues to struggle, Thomas is a sure bet to contribute with elite speed and a powerful arm in right field.

3. Jorge Polanco to undergo MRI:

Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco will undergo an MRI today after exiting with right hamstring tightness on Sunday, reports Shannon Dryer of Seattle Sports. The 30-year-old missed seven games earlier this month with a similar issue.

Polanco spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Twins, developing a reputation as a consistent, productive hitter. From 2019-23, the first five years of an extension he signed during the 2018-19 offseason, he hit 89 home runs with a 117 wRC+ over 544 games. However, he has struggled in his first season with the Mariners, slashing .195/.293/.302 with a 78 wRC+ in 46 games played. The M’s will hope his MRI comes back negative, and in a best-case scenario, perhaps a few games off his feet will help Polanco clear his head and break out of his uncharacteristic slump.

As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world heading into the weekend:

1. Series Preview: Rangers @ Twins

A pair of AL contenders who have struggled a bit more than expected so far in the 2024 campaign are set to face off in a weekend series starting this evening as the Twins host the Rangers at Target Field for a three-game set. The Twins currently sit 6.5 games back of the Guardians for the AL Central crown with a 26-23 record despite having come into the season as the defending division champions, while the reigning World Series champions in Texas have fallen below .500 with a record of just 24-27 but are just three games back of the Mariners in what has turned out to be a surprisingly weak AL West division. Both teams have also faced particularly deep struggles recently as the Twins have lost seven of their last ten while the Rangers have lost eight.

The series is set to begin at 6:10pm local time this evening, when Twins righty Bailey Ober (4.40 ERA) takes on Rangers journeyman Jose Urena (3.29 ERA). Veteran Michael Lorenzen (3.61 ERA) is set to take on Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (4.47 ERA) tomorrow, while it’s unclear who will start for Texas on Sunday opposite Minnesota’s struggling staff ace Pablo Lopez (4.72 ERA).  With Jon Gray, Nathan Eovaldi, and Cody Bradford all currently on the injured list, it’s possible the club will be forced to turn to a young arm such as Jack Leiter, Owen White, or Cole Winn to make a spot start.

2. Ramos nearing return:

The White Sox lost infielder Bryan Ramos to the injured list just over a week after calling him up to the majors due to a left quad strain, but it appears the 22-year-old youngster is nearing a return to action. As relayed by Scott Merkin of MLB.com, general manager Chris Getz told reporters yesterday that Ramos would be activated from the IL at some point this weekend. That’s great news for the club, as Ramos has experience at both second and third base and figures to offer a noticeable upgrade offensively over either Nicky Lopez (52 wRC+) or Danny Mendick (69 wRC+) upon his return. Ranked by Fangraphs as the #54 prospect in the sport, Ramos held his own with a decent .281/.294/.344 slash line in his first ten games, good for a wRC+ of 78. In 77 games at the Double-A level last year, Ramos slashed an impressive .271/.369/.457 with a wRC+ of 122.

3. Who’s starting for the Braves today?

The Braves have not yet decided their starter for today’s game against the Pirates, manager Brian Snitker told reporters (including Mark Bowman of MLB.com) last night. The club’s recent doubleheader against the Padres has left the rotation in need of a spot start, but the club’s recent decision to option right-hander Bryce Elder to the minor leagues means that their on-paper sixth starter won’t be available to take the ball unless he replaces an injured player on the roster. Assuming the club will look for another alternative in its minor league system, each of Huascar Ynoa, Allan Winans, and Dylan Dodd have been working out of the rotation at the Triple-A level for the club this year and have enough rest to be a potential option for today’s spot start.

Ynoa is the most accomplished of the three at the big league level after pitching in parts of four MLB seasons including a 107 ERA+ showing in 91 innings of work back in 2021. That being said, Ynoa has struggled to stay healthy in recent years and has been lit up for a 6.52 ERA in 9 2/3 innings of work at Triple-A so far this year. He’s also on the minor league IL and hasn’t pitched in an official game since the middle of April. That could lead the Braves to offer the start today to either Winans or Dodd, both of whom made their MLB debuts last year and have pitched to decent results at the Triple-A level this year. Dodd has not yet appeared in a big league game this season, while Winans surrendered seven runs (six earned) in five innings of work during a spot start earlier this year. All three arms are already on the 40-man roster, but the Braves would still need to clear space on the active roster in order to accommodate today’s starter.