Ramon Ortiz expected to be designated for assignment
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(4:08 pm ET) Blue Jays starting pitcher
Ramon Ortiz is no longer scheduled to start Sunday against the Orioles, as manager John Gibbons announced Thursday Chad Jenkins is
slated to start Sunday. As for Ortiz, he's expected to be
designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Sean Nolin, who will be promoted to start Friday's game.
Ortiz is 1-2 with a 4.08 ERA through four outings (three starts). He lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his latest start Tuesday against the Rays.
Shin-Soo Choo's free agency a hot topic
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
(4:02 pm ET) Though it is seven months away, Reds outfielder
Shin-Soo Choo already is fielding plenty of questions about his upcoming free agency.
"I get asked the question a lot: 'Choo, where do you want to go and where do you want to play?'" Choo said to MLB.com Thursday.
Thanks to a hot start, Choo looks likely to be one of the top free agents in the league next offseason, and with Scott Boras representing him, he will likely get a big pay day. Choo is hitting .300 with a .984 on-base plus slugging percentage through the first 45 games of the season, while serving as the team's leadoff man. For their part, the Reds would like to extend Choo, but general manager Walt Jocketty realizes that might not be the best option.
"I hate to even address it," Jocketty told MLB.com. "We got him with the idea we would get him for the year and then try to develop [Billy] Hamilton to play next year. If we're in a position where we think we can sign Choo, it's a big bonus for us. Would we love to? Absolutely. But we have to really look and see where our financial revenues and financial projections of future revenues are. It's still a little early to do that."
Chad Jenkins to start Sunday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(4:00 pm ET) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons announced Thursday starting pitcher
Chad Jenkins will start
Sunday against the Orioles, bumping Ramon Ortiz from the rotation. Jenkins was considered the front-runner to start Friday before prospect Sean Nolin got the nod.
Yankees not close to promoting Chien-Ming Wang
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(3:54 pm ET) Yankees pitcher
Chien-Ming Wang, who is 2-4 with a 3.07 ERA for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, isn't close to being promoted to the majors, according to ESPN. According to witnesses, Wang hasn't shown enough on the hill to warrant a recall.
Wang can opt out of his contract June 1, if he isn't promoted to the majors by then. It's expected Wang will exercise the clause in his contract.
Cesar Cabral must be activated by June 15
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(3:49 pm ET) Yankees reliever
Cesar Cabral (elbow) is about a week into his rehab assignment with Class A Tampa. Cabral has allowed one run on four hits and six walks, while striking out two in 3 2/3 innings.
He must be activated by June 15 or put on waivers, according to ESPN.
Joba Chamberlain might be week away from returning
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(3:45 pm ET) Yankees reliever
Joba Chamberlain (oblique) could be ready to come off the disabled list
toward the end of next week, according to ESPN. Chamberlain pitched during an extended spring game Wednesday and is expected to need a few rehab outings before activation.
Kevin Youkilis might be back next week
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(3:43 pm ET) Yankees third baseman
Kevin Youkilis (back) could be ready to come off the disabled list
next week, according to ESPN. Youkilis has been participating in extended spring games in Tampa.
Ivan Nova could be back after Tampa Bay series
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(3:41 pm ET) Yankees starting pitcher
Ivan Nova (triceps) could be ready to come off the disabled list following the team's
weekend series at Tampa Bay, according to ESPN. Nova threw a light side session Wednesday after throwing in a few extended spring games.
As far as Nova returning to the rotation, general manager Brian Cashman said, "We'll just wait and see," according to the New York Daily News.
Phillies recall Michael Stutes
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
(3:40 pm ET) The Phillies
recalled relief pitcher
Michael Stutes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley Thursday. He will join the team Friday, and will take Phillippe Aumont's spot on the active roster.
Stutes posted a 6.35 ERA in six games for the Phillies earlier in the season.
Pedro Florimon earns spot in everyday lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(3:34 pm ET) Twins shortstop
Pedro Florimon has started a season-high nine straight games heading into Thursday's game at Detroit. His previous high was five consecutive starts.
Florimon has totaled five multi-hit games in 15 May starts. He's batting .250 (13 for 52) with two doubles, two home runs, five stolen bases, nine runs, 10 RBI and 12 strikeouts in that span.
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