MLB 2024 | Yariel sent down after rough start; Arozarena homers and exits game after collision with wall; Soler to the Braves; Zulueta to Triple-A Louisville; León to be called-up
- Ray Otero-Alonso
- Jul 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources
Yariel Rodríguez has been demoted to Triple-A Buffalo by the Blue Jays.
The decision was quite surprising following Rodríguez's rough outing against the Orioles, where he allowed four runs — three earned — in just two-thirds of an inning during the first game of Monday's doubleheader. The Blue Jays felt the need to bring in fresh pitching arms, especially considering concerns about Rodríguez's workload after not pitching last season. His performance in the game was particularly concerning as he walked four batters and hit one before being replaced. Despite this setback, Rodríguez had been performing exceptionally well before this game, boasting a 2.01 ERA and a 25/8 K/BB ratio in four starts this month. It is likely that he will return to the team in a couple of weeks.
Randy Arozarena was taken out of Monday's game as a precaution after colliding with the wall in left field.
At the time of Arozarena's removal, the score was 14-3, so it was unclear if the collision was a factor. Fortunately, Arozarena wasn't seriously injured, and it appears he will be in the lineup on Tuesday. The 29-year-old hit his first home run in a Seattle uniform against Nick Pivetta during the sixth inning of the lopsided game. He has had a strong start with the Mariners, collecting five hits in 11 at-bats over three games since being traded from the Rays last week.
The Braves traded for OF Jorge Soler and RHP Luke Jackson from the Giants in exchange for LHP Tyler Matzek and 3B Sabin Ceballos.
Marcell Ozuna is currently designated hitter, making it a gamble to rely on Soler in left field since he hasn't played there this year. It remains to be seen if this strategy will be successful, especially considering the significant $26 million owed to Soler between 2025 and 2026. However, the Braves managed to acquire a valuable hitter without giving up much in return. With this change, Jarred Kelenic is expected to transition to right field and share playing time with Adam Duvall, potentially putting Eddie Rosario's roster spot at risk. The Giants have flexibility at the designated hitter position and may consider giving Wade Meckler an opportunity in the near future.
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports that the Astros are set to promote Pedro León for his first appearance in the major leagues following the trade of Joey Loperfido.
Pedro León appeared to be a probable trade option this summer, partly due to Loperfido's involvement. However, it was Loperfido who was traded instead, giving León his first opportunity after four seasons in the minor leagues. He had a batting average of .297, an on-base percentage of .377, and a slugging percentage of .519, along with 19 home runs and 23 stolen bases for Triple-A Sugar Land. While these stats are impressive, it remains uncertain whether they will set him apart in the Astros' outfield.
Luis Robert Jr. had a strong performance, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored, and stolen bases in a defeat against the Royals on Monday.
Despite recent struggles, this game served as a reminder of the immense talent possessed by the 26-year-old. With his 14th steal of the season, Robert Jr. continues to impress, especially considering he has played just 54 games and has a perfect success rate in stolen base attempts. The looming question is whether the White Sox, amidst a 15-game losing streak and a confirmed losing record in late July, will trade Robert Jr. before the upcoming deadline on Tuesday.
José Iglesias is expected to see a decrease in his playing time.
After struggling at the plate in recent games, Iglesias was left out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins. Having gone 2-for-18 in the Mets' last five games, Iglesias was benched for the series opener. His recent batting performance may put him at risk of transitioning to a part-time role. Jesse Winker, who was recently acquired, is anticipated to be a regular starter in the outfield against right-handed pitchers, leading to Jeff McNeil likely returning to second base.
Yasmani Grandal smashed a solo home run during the Pirates' victory against the Astros on Monday.
In the sixth inning, Yasmani Grandal put the Pirates in the lead with a solo blast. The 35-year-old has hit four home runs this season and is showing signs of returning to his previous form, evident in his .184/.221/.319 slash line.
Yosver Zulueta, right-handed pitcher, has been optioned by the Reds to Triple-A Louisville.
On Monday, the Reds decided to send Zulueta down to Triple-A Louisville. Despite his impressive performance in the short time he spent with the Reds, allowing only one run with a 4:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over five relief innings, the team has chosen to utilize his remaining minor-league options. It is likely that Zulueta will rejoin the major league team soon, as he delivered a scoreless inning on Saturday in his only appearance within a five-day span with the Reds.
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