Since our last update, Kevin Gausman and Rafael Montero graduated; or graduated again in Gausman’s case. Montero’s debut was decent, especially considering he was probably feeling all sorts of jitters going up against the Yankees. He’s likely a spot starter in most leagues until he proves otherwise. Gausman, on the other hand, wasn’t very impressive. I’m giving him a pass, though, due to the fact that he just got over pneumonia. He still has the most upside of any pitcher on Baltimore’s roster, so he should be in the rotation to stay.

Down on the farm, Javier Baez finally went deep again. Unfortunately, his line is still putrid. There isn’t a ton of good news on the Baez front right now. The Cubs aren’t contenders, so there’s no rush. That’s looking like a blessing. The two other main Cubs’ prospects, however, are performing pretty well. Arismendy Alcantara doesn’t take walks very often, but he’s been able to post a solid line thanks to his ability to barrel the ball. Kris Bryant is still doing Kris Bryant things. He’s walking, hitting for average, and hitting balls out of the yard. He likely won’t be up until September, but next year could be a lot of fun.

Oscar Taveras and Gregory Polanco are still smashing. Tick tock, Cardinals and Pirates.

It’s a damn shame Joc Pederson has nowhere to play in Los Angeles, because he looks more than ready. Best of all, Pederson’s been pretty good versus left handed pitching; posting an OPS of .806. He’s always smashed righties, so any production versus left handed pitching is just icing on the cake. He likely needs a trade – either one that includes him or one that includes one of the Dodgers’ major league outfielders. The latter doesn’t seem very likely, given how well Los Angeles’ outfield has performed. The former, however, might be reasonable if the Dodgers are still battling for the division in early July.

Addison Russell is making his way back. Byron Buxton, unfortunately, was set back once again due to a wrist issue. Get better, Byron.

Finally, we’ve added Joey Gallo and Mookie Betts. It’s too fun following their numbers to leave them off. Gallo might not be up this year, but much like Bryant, his power could be a game changer if his new approach continues as he climbs the ladder. Betts apparently has few flaws in his game. Since turning pro, he’s done nothing but hit. His bat control is phenomenal, he has surprising pop to all fields, and he’s very, very fast. A call up to Boston isn’t out of the question, considering how little production they’ve received from their outfield. Long term Betts still profiles an up the middle talent, it just might take a trade to make that a reality.

Add another pitching injury to the list. Archie Bradley is having elbow issues. It appears as if he may be out of the woods for now, but I’m not taking anything for granted after all of the injuries this year.

Eddie Butler and Jon Gray are making things interesting. If the Rockies’ offense keeps hitting, and it feels like they will, it seems likely Gray and Butler will join the club sooner rather than later in order to boost Colorado’s chances for a postseason run.

Mark Appel isn’t injured. He was just sent back to extended spring training. Appel’s assignment has more to do with Houston’s tandem pitching than anything else. Appel struggled and never got comfortable with the system, so he’s being stretched back out and will seemingly be used in normal fashion once he’s ready to go.

Andrew Heaney is inching his way closer. Matt Wisler struggled in his first two starts since being promoted to Triple-A, but he’ll figure it out.

Finally, Noah Syndergaard kept rolling. If I were betting, he’s the next name to be called up. I’m assuming he, along with Butler and Gray, will be up in early June.

See you next week.