Underdog
Player News
Astros’ skipper Joe Espada told reporters on Friday that Yordan Alvarez (hand) took another 50 swings on Friday between soft toss and hitting off of a tee.
Espada also noted that the 28-year-old slugger continues to feel good, though he did not give a timeline on when he may be able to return to live game action. Alvarez has been sidelined since the beginning of May due to a small fracture in his right hand.
Orioles selected the contract of INF Jeremiah Jackson from Triple-A Norfolk.
It’s the first trip to the big leagues for the 25-year-old infielder who takes the roster spot that was vacated when Gregory Soto was dealt to the Mets on Friday. Jackson has been outstanding in 38 games since his promotion to Triple-A Norfolk, slashing .377/.398/.682 with 11 homers, 22 RBI, eight stolen bases and a 19/5 K/BB ratio over 162 plate appearances. The O’s will see if he can carry that over to the big league level.
Darnell Mooney left practice early on Thursday after diving for a pass along the sideline.
The team has not yet provided the media with an injury update, but journeyman field-stretcher DJ Chark was signed on Friday afternoon. The development could be a bad sign, but it’s simply too early to tell. We will report back with updates as soon as possible.
Rays recalled LHP Mason Montgomery from Triple-A Durham.
He’ll take the roster spot that was vacated by Taj Bradley’s demotion. He may only be around for a couple of days to add an extra arm to the Rays’ bullpen while they decide who will fill Bradley’s spot in the rotation. Montgomery has struggled to a 5.74 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and a 41/19 K/BB ratio over 31 1/3 innings in 40 appearances with the Rays this season.
Shane Smith (ankle) is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session on Saturday.
The 25-year-old right-hander has been shelved since the All-Star game due to a left ankle sprain. Depending on how Saturday’s session goes, the White Sox will determine what the next step in his rehab will be and whether or not he requires a minor league rehab start before returning to the White Sox’ rotation.
Carlos Cortes is starting in right field and batting leadoff for the Athletics on Friday evening against the Astros in Houston.
The 28-year-old outfielder went 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI in his first big league start on Thursday night and it apparently earned him another start and a bump up in the lineup for Friday night’s battle against Astros’ right-hander Ryan Gusto. If this turns into a permanent thing for Cortes, he could muster up some fantasy value in deeper mixed leagues.