Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources
Astros' José Abreu: Back in the big leagues.
Houston Astros first baseman José Abreu was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday. He was back in the starting lineup at first base and batted eighth against the Seattle Mariners. Joey Loperfido was optioned back to Triple-A as a corresponding move. Although he started the game nervously and struck out, he ended up going 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in a 3-2 loss to the Mariners. Abreu was demoted to the minor leagues after a horrific start to the season that saw him slashing .099/.156/.113 through 22 games. The veteran slugger was also pretty dismal throughout the 2023 campaign, so a return to relevance seems unlikely at this point. Abreu will also have to battle Jon Singleton, who is starting at DH tonight, for regular playing time. As for Loperfido, the team's sixth-ranked prospect performed well in limited at-bats. He remains a player of interest.
First victory for Adrián Morejón.
Morejón continued his successful 2024 as a reliever for the Padres. He earned his first win of the year by pitching two scoreless innings with a walk and a strikeout against Miami. With an ERA of 2.08 in 14 games this season, he is now 8-3 in his MLB career. Currently, his SO/BB ratio is 28/5.
The Orioles get out of trouble with a clean inning from Cionel Pérez.
It was an excellent relief appearance by Cionel as he pitched a scoreless inning in an 11-3 win over the Red Sox. When Cionel came to pitch in the eighth inning, with a runner at third base, the Red Sox had already scored all their runs. First, he retired the first batter with a fly ball to left field and then struck out the next two to end the inning. In all, he threw 11 pitches, 8 of which were strikes. With his efforts, he lowered his ERA to 4.63 for the year.
Umpire Ángel Hernández to Retire After Controversial Career.
MLB umpire Ángel Hernández, known for his controversial calls and a lawsuit alleging discrimination, has announced his retirement after a career spanning over three decades. His last game was on May 9, and an official announcement is expected on Tuesday. Hernández expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live out his childhood dream and the camaraderie among his colleagues. His retirement has been met with widespread celebration and relief among fans, players, and commentators.
Miguel Vargas was in the lineup Monday.
Miguel Vargas was in the starting lineup for the Dodgers Monday but the game was postponed due to rain. Vargas was getting the start in left field and hitting seventh against the Mets. He is 1-for-7 since his call up from Triple-A.
Braves recalled OF Julio Pablo Martínez from Triple-A Gwinnett.
Martínez will take the spot on the active roster previously held by Ronald Acuña Jr., who is out for the year with a torn ACL. Martínez will likely be up as the fourth outfielder in Atlanta with Adam Duvall taking on a larger chunk of playing time. The 28-year-old Martínez is a good defender and has elite speed with 14 steals in 45 games at Triple-A this season and 38 games in 77 Triple-A games for the Rangers last year. Martínez has slashed .265/.337/.394 with three homers with Gwinnett this season. He can play all three outfield spots.
Bryan Ramos was not in Chicago's Monday lineup.
Ramos was not in the lineup for Monday's game versus the Blue Jays. Ramos returned from the injured list over the weekend but went 0-for-7 with four strikeouts at the plate. Ramos got the day off Monday to regroup, but entered the game as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-1.
Andy Pagés was out of the lineup Monday.
Andy Pagés was out of the starting lineup for the Dodgers Monday. Pagés will sit out the series opener with the Mets after starting in center field on Sunday.
Pedro León showing serious power in Triple-A.
Houston Astros outfield prospect Pedro León has shown tremendous offensive prowess in Triple-A Sugar Land to start the 2024 season. Through 47 games, he's slashing .290/.376/.546 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. He also leads the minor leagues with 51 RBI. Currently ranked #27 on the Astros' list of top prospects, it's hard to imagine that he won't ascend the rankings soon. According to MLB.com, he's expected to make his big-league debut sometime this year. If he keeps producing at this rate, there's a chance it could come sooner rather than later.
