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Cardinals RHP prospect Sem Robberse allowed one run (none earned) on three hits in five innings while striking out six and walking none for Triple-A Memphis.
With LHP prospect Quinn Matthews landing on the Triple-A IL, Robberse is putting himself in position to be the first in line for a call-up if the Cardinals need a starter. He has allowed five earned runs on 14 hits in 12 innings this year while striking out 14 and walking seven.
Javier Assaid allowed one run on four hits in 3 1/3 innings for Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.
Assad is making his first rehab start after being placed on the IL in the spring with an oblique issue. The 27-year-old struck out four and walked one in the outing, while averaging 93 mph on his fastball, which is actually up from 91.8 mph last year. Assad had a 3.73 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 124/63 K/BB ratio in 147 innings for the Cubs last season. He could push Colin Rea or Ben Brown for a rotation spot after two more rehab starts.
Mariners INF prospect Tyler Locklear went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a stolen base on Tuesday for Triple-A Tacoma.
Locklear has now started the year 17-for-52 (.327) with one home run, seven RBI, and three steals in 13 games. He’s also struck out 15 times and walked five, but he’s continuing to push for a chance to add some juice to this Mariners lineup.
Mets recalled RHP Justin Hagenman from Triple-A Syracuse.
With Griffin Canning (illness) unable to start on Wednesday, the Mets will be using Huascar Brazoban as the opener and then having Hagenman follow him for a few innings. Hagenman has allowed eight earned runs on 15 hits in 10 1/3 innings (three appearances, two starts) in Triple-A this year with 12 strikeouts and four walks. Max Kranick was sent to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
Mets optioned Max Kranick to Triple-A Syracuse.
This feels like a bit of gamesmanship. Kranick threw 1 2/3 innings on Tuesday night, and the Mets needed to make room on the active roster for Justin Hagenman, who is going to be a bulk reliever today against the Twins. However, the Mets can bring Kranick back up tomorrow by putting Jose Siri (fractured fibula) on the injured list, which means he wouldn’t need to spend the full 15 days in the minor leagues.
Newsday’s Tim Healey reports that the Mets could give RHP prospect Brandon Sproat his first MLB start later this week if Griffin Canning (illness) isn’t ready.
Healey mentioned that, if Griffin Canning isn’t well enough to pitch either of the next two days, the Mets will need another spot starter for Friday. There are a few options they could turn to, but Sproat is a name they have discussed. The 24-year-old was a huge riser in the Mets system last year, pitching to a 3.40 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 131/42 K/BB ratio in 116 1/3 minor league innings. He has not gotten off to a fast start in Triple-A, but he remains an intriguing pitching prospect.