Minor league action is heating up. Since our last update, Marcus Stroman was called up. It appears he’ll work out of the bullpen immediately, but given the fact that he’s already stretched -and that Dustin McGown isn’t very good – out he should make his way into the rotation sooner rather than later.

Byron Buxton, who had been dealing with a wrist issue, was finally able to get back onto the field Sunday. So, if you have MILB.tv, you just received an early Christmas present. If you were hoping for Javier Baez to light the world on fire and receive an early call up, that dream is likely shot for the time being. Baez’s approach hadn’t been a detriment throughout the course of his minor league career until this season, but the tipping point might have been breached for the time being. Baez has struck out in ~38% of his plate appearances. Even his prodigious power can’t bail out a strikeout rate that high.

Two other Cubs’ prospects have performed much better. Arismendy Alcantara – who many thought might be called up before Baez anyways – has had a nice run to begin the year. His skillset is an intriguing one, especially given his spot on the diamond (2B). Kris Bryant is looking like the slugger he was drafted to be. He’s drawing walks, hitting for power, and even swiping a few bags. He’s going to be a stud.

Oscar Taveras and Gregory Polanco are basically racing each other to the show at this point. Both of their respective big league clubs could use an offensive shot in the arm, so it might not be long. If I were a betting man, I’d bet on Taveras being called up first, simply because Pittsburgh has to be a little more cost conscientious.

On the pitching side of things, the Rockies’ hot start has made two of their pitching prospects very interesting. Both, Jonathan Gray and Eddie Butler will be up at some point this year, but I’d venture a guess that if Colorado stays in contention their timelines will be pushed up a little bit. Both could be up by June, although July is probably a little more likely.

Ditto for the pair of Mets’ hurlers above. Don’t worry too much about their numbers, Las Vegas is a terrible place to pitch.

Matt Wisler and Alex Meyer could also be up at some point in the near future. Wisler doesn’t have the raw stuff that most of the other pitchers on the list have, but he makes up for that with good command, a deep repertoire, and an advanced approach. Add in the fact that his home games will take place in spacious Petco Park, and it’s a nice package.

On the injury front, Addison Russell is still recovering from a significant hamstring tear, but should be nearing being at least somewhat active again relatively soon. Kevin Gausman also gave fans and the Orioles a scare. Fortunately, his intercostal strain turned out to just be a bad case of pneumonia.