MLB Player News

Yesavage could make his Blue Jays debut later this season if he continues to face little challenge from minor-league hitters, Mitch Bannon of the Athletic reports. "If he continues to dominate performance-wise, in tandem with consistent routines and progress with his priority goals, then it's not out of the question," player development director Joe Sclafani said recently. "It's our group's job to think long term and put him in the best position to succeed, but Trey will ultimately be the driver of those decisions."

The 20th overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft won't be the first player from his class to reach the majors -- that honor belongs to Houston's Cam Smith -- but Yesavage has torn through the Jays system to begin the season, making his professional debut at Single-A Dunedin on April 8 and then making his Double-A debut just over two months later. The 21-year-old right-hander still has a lot to prove before he'll be a viable option for the 26-man roster, but his four-pitch arsenal may already be big-league ready if his control and command hold up at higher levels, and Yesavage's 43.4 percent strikeout rate through 54.2 innings on the season leads all qualified minor-league hurlers. One big obstacle to a 2025 big-league debut would be his workload -- the organization came into the season planning to cap him at about 120-to-130 innings. Even if he doesn't get called up for the stretch run, Yesavage appears to be on track to compete for a rotation spot in Toronto as soon as spring training 2026.

The White Sox optioned Baldwin to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Baldwin was recalled over the weekend and struck out in all three plate appearances. The White Sox will announce a corresponding move prior to Tuesday's game against the Cardinals.

Hamilton started at second base and went 0-for-3 in Monday's 2-0 win over the Mariners.

A random start at second base for Hamilton isn't typically significant, but Monday's assignment came in the first game the Red Sox played without Rafael Devers. Kristian Campbell, Boston's primary second baseman, served as the designated hitter, which had been Devers' role all season. Hamilton is considered the superior fielder, and the Devers trade allows manager Alex Cora to keep Campbell's bat in the lineup without sacrificing a key defensive position. One game is not determinative, so it would be wise to monitor how Cora handles infielder roles going forward. Eventually, Alex Bregman (quadriceps) will return from the injured list, and Marcelo Mayer could also enter the second-base mix.

Ginn struck out five over three scoreless innings in a relief appearance Monday against the Astros.

The Athletics didn't reveal what role Ginn would take on when they activated him from the 15-day injured list prior to Monday's contest, but it appears he will work out of the bullpen for now. With Ginn operating in a relief role, Jacob Lopez should remain in the A's rotation for the time being.

Toro went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in Monday's 2-0 win over Seattle.

Toro's two-out single in the third inning drove in Boston's second run. He's recently moved up the batting order against right-handers -- Toro hit third against the three previous righties faced -- and batted second Monday, the spot that had belonged to Rafael Devers for much of the season. He'll continue to hold the strong side of a platoon at first base and could get starts at third base when Red Sox manager Alex Cora doesn't want to expose Marcelo Mayer to a southpaw. Toro is batting .317/.345/.538 with five home runs, eight doubles, 13 RBI and 15 runs scored over 30 games.

Kurtz went 1-for-4 with a two-run walk-off home run Monday in a 3-1 win against the Astros.

Kurtz was quiet until the bottom of the ninth inning, when he broke a 1-1 tie with a big 447-foot, two-run shot to right-center field. It was the second time in as many days that the young slugger has won the game for the A's with a long ball -- he broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the ninth frame Sunday with a solo blast. Kurtz is still slashing a modest .235/.293/.454 on the campaign, but he's gone deep six times over his past 11 contests and has knocked in 13 runs over that span.

Gusto allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over five innings in a no-decision against the Athletics on Monday.

Gusto got through four scoreless innings before serving up a solo shot to JJ Bleday in his fifth and final frame. That homer was the first he allowed in four starts, but he nonetheless impressed in one of his best outings this season. Gusto racked up a career-high eight punchouts and induced 12 whiffs while throwing 59 of 87 pitches for strikes. He's registered an outstanding 15:2 K:BB while allowing only three runs over 11 frames across his past two starts.

Spence allowed one run on seven hits and one walk while striking out two batters over five innings in a no-decision against Houston on Monday.

Spence served up a solo homer to Jose Altuve in the first inning, but he kept Houston from scoring over his final four frames. The right-hander recorded just one 1-2-3 inning and induced only six whiffs, but this was still a nice outing overall. Spence has been impressive since joining the Athletics' rotation early this month, allowing only two runs while registering a 10:2 K:BB over 15 innings across three starts. He's tentatively slated to face Cleveland at home in his next appearance.

Anthony went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Monday in a 2-0 win over Seattle.

Anthony provided all the offense the Red Sox would need with his 391-foot solo blast in the first inning. The long ball was the first of Anthony's career and just his second hit of any type. Anthony has gone a meager 2-for-21 through seven games, though he's managed to squeeze out a productive four RBI during that span.

Gilbert (1-2) was the pitcher of record in Monday's 2-0 loss to the Red Sox, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out 10 batters over five innings.

Gilbert returned to the mound following a nearly eight-week absence due to an elbow flexor strain. The right-hander didn't show any signs of rust, as he tallied an impressive 21 whiffs en route to tying a season high with 10 strikeouts. Despite the fantastic outing, Gilbert took his second loss, as four Red Sox pitchers managed to shut out the Mariners offense while allowing just four hits. The positive news for Seattle is that Gilbert tossed 84 pitches and appeared fully back to form, though he's in line for a tough test in what projects to be a matchup against the Cubs in his next start.