The Opener

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

1. Prospects to watch:

A’s right-hander Luis Medina, who came over from the Yankees as part of the Frankie Montas trade at the deadline last year, is expected to make his major league debut today after the club added him to the active roster yesterday. Medina, 24 next week, is known for his power arsenal (including a triple digit fastball) but has struggled badly with command to this point in his career, as evidenced by a career walk rate north of 15% in the minor leagues.

Medina may not be the only prospect who will debut today, however, as The Athletic’s Zack Meisel notes the Guardians are considering promoting right-hander Tanner Bibee for today’s start against the Rockies. Bibee, who was selected by Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2021 draft, made his professional debut just last year but has rapidly ascended through the minor leagues, starting the 2023 season at Triple-A after posting a sterling 1.83 ERA in 73 2/3 innings at the Double-A level last year. Bibee’s hot start to his career has continued in the early going so far this season, with a 1.76 ERA in three starts (15 1/3 innings) for the Guardians’ affiliate in Columbus.

2. Gonsolin, Marquez to be activated:

A pair of starters are set to return to action in the NL West today, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya) that right-hander Tony Gonsolin will be activated from the injured list to make today’s start against the Pirates. Gonsolin, who posted an excellent 2.14 ERA (192 ERA+) in 130 1/3 innings of work last season, will likely go no longer than four innings in his season debut according to Roberts.

Meanwhile, the Rockies are expected to reinstate right-hander German Marquez from the injured list today to start against the Guardians. Marquez, who went on the IL with forearm tightness earlier in the season, has posted a 4.41 ERA in 16 1/3 innings across the three starts he’s made in 2023. The Dodgers will need to make space on the active roster for Gonsolin ahead of today’s game, but there’s no such need for Marquez, as the Rockies designated right-hander Jose Urena for assignment last night.

3. MLBTR chat today:

Yesterday, MLBTR’s Steve Adams fielded questions during yesterday’s live chat, the transcript of which can be found here. If you still have unanswered questions about the beginnings of the 2023 season, you’re in luck, as MLBTR’s Anthony Franco will be hosting a live chat of his own today at 5pm CT. You can submit a question in advance here, and you can use the same link to check back in this evening and participate live once the chat begins.

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

1. Bart to be re-evaluated:

Giants catcher Joey Bart exited last night’s game against the Cardinals after the seventh inning due to groin tightness, telling reporters (including Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle) that he hopes to miss just a few days but will be re-evaluated today. Rule 5 pick Blake Sabol is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster, meaning the club will need to make space on the 40-man roster for another catcher should Bart require a stint on the injured list.

In the event that Bart misses time, that would seem to pave the way for veteran catcher Gary Sanchez to join the major league roster after signing with the Giants on a minor league deal at the beginning of the season. Sanchez has scuffled to begin the season in Triple-A, slashing just .146/.327/.171. He has an opt-out date in his minor league contract on May 1.

2. Busch could make big league debut:

With infielder Max Muncy headed to the paternity list and a dearth of infielders available that has already forced Mookie Betts to spend time in the infield in recent days, the Dodgers are reportedly poised to promote top prospect Michael Busch ahead of today’s game against the Pirates. Busch was added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft this past offseason, so there won’t be a need for a corresponding 40-man move to call Busch up to the majors today.

A first-round pick by the Dodgers in 2019, the 25-year-old Busch is a consensus top-100 prospect in the game. Busch tore up the Double-A level to open the 2022 season and ended up promoted after just 31 games at the level, during which he posted a 1.112 OPS. Since his promotion to Triple-A early last season, Busch has slashed .277/.363/.484, a solid slash line that includes a fantastic .337/.461/.506 slash in 21 games to start the 2023 season.

3. MLBTR Chat today:

We’re now around 15% of the way through the 2023 regular season, with plenty of interesting early season trends to discuss. If the beginning of this season has spurred any questions in your mind about your favorite team or the league as a whole, MLBTR’s Steve Adams is holding a live chat with readers at 1pm CT today. You can click here to ask a question in advance, join in live once the chat begins, or read the transcript once the chat is complete.

As the end of the 2023 season’s first month draws near, here are three things to keep an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Extension season continues:

As an eventful week draws to a close, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the weekend:

1. Lucchesi, Musgrove set to make 2023 debuts:

A pair of starters figure to take the ball this weekend for the first time this season. Mets left-hander Joey Lucchesi is lined up to start tonight in San Francisco in place of the recently-injured Carlos Carrasco. Lucchesi will be taking the mound in the majors for the first time since 2021, when he posted a 4.46 ERA (90 ERA+) with a 3.40 FIP in 38 1/3 innings across eleven appearances. Lucchesi underwent Tommy John surgery partway through the 2021 season and missed the entire 2022 season. He’s looked good in the minors since returning from surgery, posting a 2.22 ERA in 28 1/3 innings of work with a 23.9% strikeout rate.

Meanwhile, Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove is set to make his season debut tomorrow evening against the Diamondbacks. Musgrove fractured his toe during spring training, and his return was slightly delayed after he landed awkwardly on his shoulder while making a play in the field during a minor league rehab start. He received a cortisone shot and has since made a five-inning rehab start in High-A. With a 3.06 ERA (125 ERA+) in 362 1/3 innings of work since joining the Padres ahead of the 2021 season, Musgrove is perhaps the club’s best pitcher and will be a welcome addition to a pitching staff that’s struggled a bit to start the season.

2. O’Hoppe to be re-evaluated:

Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe is set to be re-evaluated today after leaving yesterday’s game with a shoulder injury, as noted by The Athletic’s Sam Blum. At this point, it’s unclear if O’Hoppe will miss any time, but if that’s the case, the club will have to add another catcher to the 40-man roster to play alongside Matt Thaiss. The only other catcher currently on the 40-man is Max Stassi, who has yet to play this season due to a hip injury. The Angels have an open 40-man spot, and Blum points out that Chad Wallach is on the team’s taxi squad. Any missed time for O’Hoppe would be a blow to the Angels; he’s slashed .283/.339/.547 in 16 games this season, good for a 143 wRC+.

3. Where will Iglesias, MadBum land?

Infielder Jose Iglesias is back on the free agent market after opting out of his minor league deal with the Marlins, leaving him as the best available option for clubs in need of infield depth at this point in the season. One such club is the Dodgers, who started Luke Williams at shortstop last night and gave Mookie Betts three innings late in the game, thanks to injuries to both Miguel Rojas and utility player Chris Taylor. The Red Sox are another team that could potentially look to add depth to their infield, with second baseman Christian Arroyo battling a hamstring issue and Adalberto Mondesi on the 60-day IL.

Iglesias isn’t the only player who’s expected to be looking for work going forward, as the Diamondbacks designated veteran lefty Madison Bumgarner for assignment yesterday. Bumgarner has struggled to a 5.23 ERA in 363 1/3 innings in three-plus seasons with the club, which registers 20% below average by measure of ERA+. His 2023 season has been particularly alarming. He’s allowed 19 earned runs on 25 hits (four homers) and a staggering 15 walks (plus a hit batter) in just 16 2/3 innings. Bumgarner’s formerly elite command is nowhere to be seen, and he’s averaging a diminished 89.6 mph on his fastball. He won’t be claimed on waivers with $34MM+ remaining on his contract through the 2024 season. Once he clears, he’ll be available to sign with another club for the prorated league minimum.

As everyone digests last night’s likely relocation news regarding the A’s, here are three other things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Tatis Returns

Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. is expected to return to the major league club today after serving an 80-game suspension for PED usage. Tatis, who is slated to be the club’s everyday right fielder following the signing of Xander Bogaerts to man shortstop this past offseason, missed the entire 2022 season between the aforementioned suspension and a trio of surgeries: two to repair a fracture in his left wrist and one on his left shoulder after it sent him to the injured list twice during the 2021 campaign.

Despite his injury and suspension-related woes since the end of the 2021 season, Tatis figures to be an impact player for a scuffling Padres team. San Diego is currently in third in the NL West with a 9-11 record and will surely appreciate a jolt from Tatis, particularly given the struggles of fellow phenom Juan Soto in left field.

2. What’s next for Scherzer?

Mets ace Max Scherzer was ejected from his start yesterday after three innings of work thanks to a failed foreign substance check. That ejection comes with a mandatory 10-game suspension during which the club is not allowed to replace Scherzer on the roster, though MLB has not announced any discipline to this point. Scherzer intends to appeal the suspension if and when it is levied and insists the substance on his hand was a legal combination of rosin and sweat.

Scherzer, a slam-dunk future hall of famer with three Cy Young awards, 3210 strikeouts and a 3.12 ERA (135 ERA+) under his belt for his career, has scuffled a bit in the early going this season, posting a 3.72 ERA and 5.65 FIP far below his usual standards. Should he miss time due to a suspension, right-hander Kodai Senga will be the last member of the club’s projected 2023 starting rotation standing, with each of Jose Quintana, Justin Verlander, and Carlos Carrasco currently on the injured list. Jose Butto, Joey Lucchesi, and Denyi Reyes are among the potential options to take Scherzer’s turn in the rotation should he be suspended.

3. Donaldson Undergoes MRI

Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson underwent an MRI on his right hamstring yesterday after a setback in his rehab process. Donaldson, 37, appeared to be on the verge of returning to the big league club prior to his setback, but now will be shutdown for an indeterminate amount of time. More info on the severity of Donaldson’s setback and his new timetable for return could become available ahead of the club’s game this afternoon.

Donaldson struggled in five games this season, recording just two hits and a walk while striking out six times in 17 plate appearances prior to his current IL stint. While that’s a minuscule sample size, Donaldson’s offensive struggles date back to last season, when he hit .222/.308/.374 and posted a 97 wRC+ that marked the first below-average full season of his career with the bat. The Yankees still have a plethora of infield options at their disposal, with DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa all capable of mixing and matching in the infield alongside Anthony Volpe at shortstop and Anthony Rizzo at first base.

As the 2023 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Mookie to return to the infield?

Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts is set to return from the paternity list today, manager Dave Roberts tells reporters (including Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic). Of more significance than Betts’s return, however, is where he’ll be playing: Roberts notes that he expects Betts to start “somewhere in the infield” upon his return, with shortstop standing as a distinct possibility. Betts came up through the minors as a second baseman, but moved over to right field upon reaching the majors in Boston to accommodate Dustin Pedroia.

Still, he’s appeared at the keystone in 35 games across six seasons of his career, including at least once during every season he’s spent in LA. Five of those appearances have already come during the young 2023 season. It’s a move that’s understandable for the Dodgers, who have a plethora of potential outfield options on the roster but few infield options outside of their starting unit, particularly with Chris Taylor currently sidelined by a left side injury and Miguel Rojas having exited last night’s game with a hamstring issue.

2. MLB Debuts in Oakland and Cincinnati:

Both the A’s and Reds will turn to one of the top young arms in their farm system to start today’s game. Oakland is calling up flamethrowing righty Mason Miller, while the Reds have already activated righty Levi Stoudt for his own debut.

Miller, 24, was a third-round pick in 2021 who’s turned heads with a triple-digit heater and a dominant 11-strikeout, zero-walk showing in his first start at Triple-A this season. Injuries have limited him to just 45 1/3 innings since being drafted in ’21, but A’s GM David Forst has already indicated that this is more than a spot start; Miller will remain in the rotation moving forward. Time will tell how he acclimates and what type of workload the A’s are comfortable with after he pitched just 31 2/3 innings between the minors and the Arizona Fall League in 2022.

It’s a different story for Stoudt, whose outing has already been confirmed as a spot start by Reds skipper David Bell. Like Miller, Stoudt a former third-round pick (2019). He’ll be the first of the four players Cincinnati acquired from the Mariners in exchange for Luis Castillo to make his Reds debut. He pitched to a tidy 2.63 ERA between Double-A (five innings) and Triple-A (19) following last summer’s trade and has a 4.09 ERA through three Triple-A starts in ’23, albeit with a more concerning 10-to-9 K/BB ratio.

Both Miller and Stoudt are potential long-term rotation options for their respective clubs, providing baseball fans a potential glimpse into each team’s future.

3. MLBTR Chat:

Yesterday, MLBTR’s Steve Adams fielded questions during a live chat (transcript here). If you still have unanswered questions about the beginnings of the 2023 season, you’re in luck, as MLBTR’s Anthony Franco will be hosting another chat today at 5pm CT. You can submit a question in advance here, and you can use the same link to check back in this evening and participate live once the chat begins. In addition, be sure to check out the newest episode of the MLB Trade Rumors podcast, which dropped earlier today!

As the 2023 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Incoming updates on pitcher injuries:

A handful of updates on pitchers are expected around the league today, led by a pair of aces who exited their starts yesterday: Jacob deGrom left his start with the Rangers after four innings with wrist soreness, while Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters (including MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy) that Corbin Burnes left his start against the Mariners with a left pec strain. Both aces are expected to be evaluated later today.

We could also receive updates on Reds right-hander Hunter Greene, who left yesterday’s start with a right tibia contusion, with Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer noting that initial x-rays came back negative. Meanwhile, Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters (including MLB.com’s Anne Rogers) that Kris Bubic would require a second opinion after tests yesterday revealed a flexor strain for the young lefty.

2. Kershaw goes for No. 200:

Pitcher wins aren’t exactly en vogue among front offices and analysts in 2023, but they still hold an important place in the hearts of many fans and in most pitchers themselves. That’s particularly true when it comes to milestones; round numbers always grab our attention and are often cited when looking back at a player’s career through a historical lens.

Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for the 405th time in his career tonight (402nd start), and with a victory, he’ll become just the 121st pitcher to ever reach 200 wins in his career. In an era where teams have shorter leashes for starters and are more reliant on bullpen arms than ever before, reaching such heights is extra difficult. Howard Cole observes (Twitter link) that Kershaw would become just the third pitcher to ever accumulate 200 wins solely in a Dodgers uniform, joining Hall of Famers Don Sutton and Don Drysdale.

Kershaw’s place in Dodgers lore is already cemented, but this will be another feather in his cap and another achievement on his own eventual case for Cooperstown enshrinement. So far in 2023, his 16th Major League season, the 35-year-old Kershaw has a 3.50 ERA and 17-to-4 K/BB ratio in 18 innings.

3. MLBTR Chat today:

We’re now around 10% of the way through the 2023 regular season, with plenty of interesting early season trends to discuss. If the beginning of this season has spurred any questions in your mind about your favorite team or the league as a whole, MLBTR’s Steve Adams is holding a live chat with readers at 1pm CT today. You can click here to ask a question in advance, join in live once the chat begins, or read the transcript once the chat is complete.

As the third week of the 2023 regular season begins, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today.

1. Baty to be recalled:

The Mets are reportedly poised to call up top prospect Brett Baty later today, prior to the club’s 9:10pm CT game against the Dodgers. Baty, 23, has torn up Triple-A in the early going this season to the tune of a .400/.500/.866 slash line. Of course, the club will have to make a move to make room for Baty on the active roster, though he does already have a 40-man roster spot.

The club’s only optionable bat (beyond stars Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, both of whom are locked into the everyday lineup) is Luis Guillorme, leaving the option of sending him to Triple-A one potential route. The Mets could also have an injury they’ve not yet made known, which would pave the way for an IL stint to open that roster spot. Outside of that, it’s possible the club could designate a player like outfielder Tim Locastro or even struggling third baseman Eduardo Escobar, who figures to lose substantial playing time to Baty, for assignment.

2. Fried set to return:

Rotation reinforcements are coming in Atlanta, as ace Max Fried is poised to return from the 15-day injured list today to make this evening’s 8:40pm CT start against the Padres. Fried suffered a hamstring strain on Opening Day and left his first start of the season early. Now that Fried is set to rejoin the team, the rotation appears to be set, with right-hander Bryce Elder settling into the fifth spot over rookies Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd after he impressed with a 1.53 ERA over 17 2/3 innings while filling in for Fried.

Throughout the early part of the season, the Braves have been able to utilize a nine-man bullpen by carefully managing their roster so only four starters are on the active roster at a time. With Fried’s activation, the club’s ability to do that seems set to come to an end, meaning the roster move to make space for Fried could shed some light on the club’s preferred bullpen structure when able to utilize eight relievers.

3. Rangers to unveil City Connect uniforms:

The Rangers are expected to unveil their City Connect uniforms today, following the Braves’ announcement earlier in the month. Later in the season, the Mariners, Reds, Orioles, and Pirates are expected to announce City Connect uniforms, joining 14 clubs that had unveiled jerseys of their own over the past two seasons. The Rangers unveil their jerseys as the club is out to one of its best starts since the team’s most recent playoff run back in 2016, with the club currently 9-6 with a 1.5 game lead in the AL West. You can read more about the jerseys unveiling and related promotions here.

As MLB’s regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the weekend:

1. Jackie Robinson Day:

Tomorrow is Jackie Robinson Day, an event across the baseball world that commemorates the day the Hall of Famer and cultural icon first stepped onto the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and, in doing so, integrated Major League Baseball. This year, the day is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s creation. As is tradition, all players, coaches, and managers across baseball will wear 42 in honor of Robinson. Additionally, a panel discussion will be available live on MLB.com at 9:30am CT tomorrow featuring commissioner Rob Manfred, six time All-Star CC Sabathia, Robinson’s granddaughter Sonya Pankey, and Devin Johnson, who serves as President of Lebron James’s SpringHill Company. More details on the events planned to celebrate Robinson and his legacy can be found here.

2. Rays Streak Continues Without Springs:

The Rays won their game against the Red Sox yesterday to tie the 1987 Brewers and 1982 Braves for the modern opening win streak record, with all three clubs having opened their respective seasons 13-0. The Rays will attempt to secure a record-breaking 14th victory against the Blue Jays this evening at 6:07pm CT. In the meantime, however, Rays left-hander Jeffrey Springs, who left yesterday’s game with ulnar neuritis, will be undergoing further evaluation. It’s an injury which has a wide range of possible recovery times, with more minor issues only requiring a short stay on the IL, while those that require surgery can have a recovery timeline of three months or longer.

3. Arcia Injury Opens The Door For Grissom:

With shortstop Orlando Arcia out due to a microfracture in his wrist, the Braves have lost their everyday shortstop who opened the season on a tear, slashing .333/.400/.511 in 13 games prior to the injury. In his place, the club is seemingly poised to call up youngster Vaughn Grissom, who was optioned to Triple-A alongside prospect Braden Shewmake after the pair lost out on the shortstop gig to Arcia. Grissom was called up midseason last year and largely impressed with a 121 wRC+ in 41 games as Atlanta’s primary second baseman while Ozzie Albies was injured. The biggest concern regarding Grissom appears to be his defense, which has drawn considerable criticism, leading the Braves to task infield coach Ron Washington with working on defense at short with Grissom over the offseason.

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

1. Rays approach history:

With yesterday’s win over Boston, the Rays improved to 12-0 on the season. That twelve-game winning streak not only ties the record for longest in franchise history, it puts them just one win away from tying the modern MLB record for a win streak to open the season. The 2004 Devil Rays won 12 straight games in 2004, while the aforementioned MLB record is held by the 1987 Brewers and 1982 Braves, both of whom went 13-0 to open the regular season. The Rays will try to tie the Brewers and Braves today at 12:10pm CT this afternoon, as Jeffrey Springs takes on former Ray Corey Kluber.

2. Twins injury struggles continue:

The Twins opened the 2023 season dealing with a heap of injuries to their positional group, as each of first baseman Alex Kirilloff, second baseman Jorge Polanco, shortstop Royce Lewis, and outfielder Gilberto Celestino opened the season on the injured list. Two weeks into the season, that quartet has been joined by outfielders Max Kepler and Joey Gallo. Now, infielder Kyle Farmer is set to join them after being struck in the jaw by a fastball in yesterday’s game against the White Sox. He underwent surgery on his lower lip and bottom four teeth following the game. Star outfielder Byron Buxton was involved in a collision at second base in yesterday’s game, but appeared to avoid serious injury. The Twins will likely have an update on him today.

The club is expected to select outfielder Kyle Garlick later today to replace Farmer on the active roster, joining Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner, and Edouard Julien in holding down the fort while much of Minnesota’s everyday lineup battles injuries.

3. Who’s taking the ball for the Brewers?

Following ace Brandon Woodruff’s placement on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, the Brewers called up right-hander Janson Junk to replace him in the rotation. Junk struggled through his start yesterday, allowing five runs (four earned) over 4 2/3 innings against the Diamondbacks. After the game, manager Craig Counsell did not name a starter for today’s game against the Padres. With Aaron Ashby, Adrian Houser and Jason Alexander all on the IL and Ethan Small pitching in relief this season at Triple-A, the club may be forced to settle for a bullpen game today unless they’re willing to clear space on the 40-man roster to further tap into their minor league depth. Speculatively speaking, veteran righty Colin Rea, in Triple-A with the Brewers, would be properly rested if the team wants to go that route.