There may be a short slate, but there is still plenty to talk about!
Weather Issues
The only risky weather situation is the White Sox/Reds game, but it seems pretty safe to play.
What’s Happening
A.J. Pollock will be activated off of the DL for today’s game. Pollock has been out for six weeks with a thumb injury, but was mashing the ball before getting hurt. He hit .293/.349/.620 with 11 home runs and nine stolen bases in just 166 plate appearances. He should return to the top of the Diamondbacks lineup where he can continue to thrive before he inevitably hurts himself again.
Arodys Vizcaíno will be reactivated prior to tonight's game as well. Vizcaino has missed two weeks with a shoulder issue, but appears to be in the clear now. Savvy fantasy owners will continue to roster Dan Winkler and AJ Minter incase this issue reoccurs.
Joe Jimenez blew the save today versus the Blue Jays. Jimenez is considered the primary closer for the Tigers with Shane Greene on the DL with a shoulder injury and this hiccup shouldn’t change that. The Tigers ultimately won the game, so this was mostly just a shame for Mike Fiers , who had powered through eight strong innings and had to settle for a no decision.
Jorge Polanco will return from his 80-game suspension for performance enhancing drugs tonight. Polanco played very well in his short stretch at AAA, slashing .462/.533/.615 in four games. He should slide right back in at shortstop for the Twins. The Twins also activated Byron Buxton from the DL, but then optioned him to AAA. Buxton has struggled offensively this year and the Twins must play well to get back into the playoff hunt.
Bryce Harper was seen taking ground balls at first base earlier today. Manager Davey Martinez stated that Harper could be used as an emergency option at first, but didn’t expect him to start any games there. With both Ryan Zimmerman and Matt Adams on the DL, the Nationals are running a bit thin there.
Quick hits
Danny Salazar has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He underwent exploratory surgery this week and will be shut down for at least 12-to-16 weeks according to the Cleveland Indians.
Both Gorkys Hernández and Pablo Sandoval are in tonight’s lineup after suffering minor injuries on Sunday versus the Rockies.
Tyler O'Neill has been recalled by the Cardinals and is starting in right field. O’Neill will replace Dexter Fowler on the roster as Fowler will miss a few games for the birth of his child.
Christian Yelich will miss tonight’s game with a back strain. This is now the fourth consecutive game he has missed with the injury. Yelich did take some BP today and the Brewers expect that Lorenzo Cain should be back in the next couple of days as well.