Happy Jackie Robinson Day to baseball fans everywhere! With 10% of the MLB regular season already in the books, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Lorenzen to make season debut:
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen signed a one-year deal with the Rangers last month and has spent the season to this point building up in the minor leagues. Recent reporting has indicated that will end today, however, as Lorenzen is expected to be called up to start tonight’s series opener in Detroit, which is slated to begin at 6:40pm local time, opposite Tigers righty Reese Olson. On top of being Lorenzen’s first start in a Rangers uniform, today will mark the right-hander’s first time returning to Detroit since he was shipped to the Phillies ahead of last summer’s trade deadline. Lorenzen found a great deal of success during his brief time with the Tigers, pitching to a 3.58 ERA and 3.86 FIP in 105 2/3 innings of work prior to the trade.
2. Mariners, Nationals to promote youngsters ahead of debuts:
In addition to Lorenzen’s debut in Texas, today is also expected to mark the major league debuts of youngsters in both Seattle and the nation’s capital. Nationals lefty Mitchell Parker and Mariners outfielder Jonatan Clase will be promoted to the majors for the first time today. No corresponding 40-man moves will be necessary for either player; the Nationals added Parker to the 40-man roster back in November ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, while the Mariners did the same with Clase the year prior.
Parker, 24, is slated to take the ball opposite right-hander Tyler Glasnow and the Dodgers in L.A. at 7:10pm local time this evening. The Nationals’ fifth-round pick in 2020, Parker pitched to a 4.20 ERA in 25 appearances at the Double-A level last year. Clase, meanwhile, made his pro debut with the Mariners at 17 years old back in 2019 and has gotten off to a hot start at the Triple-A level this season, slashing .311/.396/.622 in his first 53 trips to the plate at the level. Should he make his debut this evening he’ll be facing off against the Reds in Seattle, where right-handers Frankie Montas and George Kirby are set to face off at 6:42pm local time.
3. Busch nearing franchise record with Cubs:
Rookie first baseman Michael Busch has been on a heater to open the 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old has slashed an incredible .327/.393/.694 in his first 56 plate appearances with the Cubs, who acquired him from the Dodgers alongside right-hander Yency Almonte this winter in exchange for prospects Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope. Yesterday’s game against the Mariners saw Busch go 2-for-4 with a home run off of right-hander Luis Castillo.
That performance was made more notable by the fact that it was the fourth consecutive game in which Busch homered. That puts the rookie just one long ball shy of matching the club’s franchise record for consecutive games with at least one home run, a record that MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian relays is jointly held by Busch’s teammate Christopher Morel as well as franchise legends Sammy Sosa, Ryne Sandberg, and Hack Wilson. Busch will attempt to match that quartet in tonight’s game against the Diamondbacks, where the Cubs will take on right-hander Merrill Kelly in Phoenix at 6:40pm local time.
Wish Lorenzen well. I always liked Mike. Some people even want to be like Mike.
It’s still early, but ya gotta give credit to Hoyer for spotting Busch’s potential, and committing to it, rather than signing one of the vet FAs.
Dodgers should’ve traded Taylor / Muncy and held onto / played Busch. Big mistake
db
What if… What if the players they got for him are even better?
Shouldn’t, you know, you wait to judge a trade to see both sides of it?
yeah I wondered why the dodgers traded a top 50 prospect for a dude that was just drafted and a lottery ticket, if they slide busch to 3rd and muncy to 2nd then mookie would not have to play as much infield (I also wonder if Busch could have converted to 2nd because muncy is too chunky for 2nd)
What if…??? I’m not knocking the players received in the trade at all. Simply stating that I wanted to see Busch in Dodger Blue this year. I would have preferred they move other players (if possible).
db
This
“Dodgers should’ve traded Taylor / Muncy and held onto / played Busch. Big mistake”
Is not stating this
” I wanted to see Busch in Dodger Blue this year. I would have preferred they move other players (if possible).”
at all
Taylor has no value. Muncy is a better player. And they didn’t exactly get scraps for Busch
People who are waiting for the league to figure Busch out you can stop wasting your time. He’s got a great eye, Doesn’t chase bad pitches doesn’t over swing. I’ve been impressed with his bat since ST started. He’s no great wiz at 1B but that’s OK. He’s playable there.
Uncle—if Seiya is out for an extended period of time, where does Busch slot in the order? How does Counsell construct the lineup if it is, in fact, Seiya making room for Canario?
What’s wrong with Suzuki?
Not 100% sure it’s him (no official announcement) or Morel going to the IL, but with Canario the guy coming up, I lean towards Seiya. He did seem to pull up lame on his second to last at bat yesterday as he approached 1b. Being DH, he didn’t have to go back to the field. He did bat again but struck out so didn’t see if he could run.
Canario is not just coming up on a whim. Watching for official announcement.
I haven’t heard any of that.
Or they can be sending Mastrobuoni back to Iowa to get some playing time. Or they could be trading Cooper to a team like Houston who needs a backup 1B (since Wisdom is probably back at the end of the week).
But I didn’t watch yesterday’s game on TV so I didn’t see Suzuki pull up. If he does have to go on the IL that will be crushing because he’s been killing it.
Just the fact that it’s Canario instead of Wisdom (not opposed) leans towards outfield help. I could see Cooper being let go and using Belli as 1b with the other outfielders.
Again, a very quick observation to an untrained eye, and very much hoping it’s not bad, or extended news.
You totally called it.
“Busch has been on a heater…”
Nick, if you need help, please call 1-800-426-2537. Please don’t Ippei your life
The second Jackie Robinson (Tim Anderson) isn’t doing too well this year. 66 wRC+? C’mon, man!
The impact Jackie had on our nation is incredible.
It would be nice to see Larry Doby receive more recognition. He integrated the American League which was under no obligation to do so following what Jackie Robinson did in the National League and faced arguably even harsher treatment during his time for a variety of reasons.
The Nationals are throwing Mitchell Parker straight into the fire. Lining him up for his major league debut against that lineup at Dodger stadium.
Sink or swim, a true test indeed.
You can’t just put “meanwhile” in the middle of a sentence, MLBTR. It has to come at the start.