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American League

National League

CHICAGO WHITE SOX
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Recalled 2B-S Carlos Sanchez from Triple-A Charlotte; optioned 2B-R Micah Johnson to Triple-A Charlotte. [5/15]

The White Sox' offense has been a massive disappointment, ranking last in the American League in runs scored and second-to-last in True Average. There's enough blame to go around, as Adam Eaton, Melky Cabrera, Alexei Ramirez, and both catchers entered Sunday with an OPS+ below 80—an important figure, since that's where Johnson sat at the time of his demotion. Obviously none of the veterans is going anywhere, so the White Sox chose to demote one rookie second baseman for another—perhaps with the intent to improve upon one of the game's worst defenses.

Sanchez is regarded as the more polished of the second basemen, albeit the one less likely to achieve stardom. Impressive numbers in Triple-A aside, he profiles as a bottom-of-the-order hitter who ought to hit for a decent average and take some walks. Though Sanchez's bat is likely to play light, his glove should keep him in the lineup. He receives high marks for his hands and instincts, and projects as a plus defender at the keystone. Johnson's upside earns him the Second Baseman of the Future tag, but Sanchez should contribute more in the present while allowing Johnson additional developmental time.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
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Purchased the contract of RHP Joe Blanton from Triple-A Omaha; optioned RHP Aaron Brooks to Triple-A Omaha; placed LHP Brian Flynn on the 60-day disabled list (latissimus dorsi tear). [5/16]

On Saturday night, Blanton pitched in the majors for the first time since 2013. He threw four innings in relief, allowing a run on a homer to Alex Rodriguez (for old time's sake). Nostalgia aside, Blanton's prospects are limited. A move to the bullpen is a welcomed sight, seeing as how he hadn't posted an ERA+ over 100 since 2009. Yet Blanton doesn't have the raw stuff to profile in a meaningful role. Instead he's likely around to eat innings—boy, has he been typecast—until the Royals find someone else to fill the slot. Nonetheless, the important thing here is the oddness of Blanton's comeback story. The short version goes like this: He thought he was done with baseball until Zach Duke moved into the neighborhood and the two began playing catch. Same.

ATLANTA BRAVES
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Recalled OF-S Todd Cunningham from Triple-A Gwinnett; placed UTL-L Kelly Johnson on the 15-day disabled list (strained oblique). [5/14]

In an odd development last September, the Braves opted against promoting Cunningham to the majors. The snub came despite the club having little reason not to give someone besides Melvin Upton a look in center field. Cunningham was again left off the big-league roster this spring, even as the Braves overhauled their outfield. Those acts make it clear the Braves think of Cunningham as organizational depth, or as a fifth-outfielder type at most. Not that the Braves are necessarily wrong in that evaluation. Cunningham relies on singles and walks for his offense, and while he's athletic and a quality defender, there's a legitimate chance his bat won't play against big-league pitching. Already 26, Cunningham will need to make an impression during this cameo if he's to keep his spot on the 40-man roster for much longer.

CHICAGO CUBS
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Recalled RHP Brian Schlitter from Triple-A Iowa; optioned OF-R Matt Szczur to Triple-A Iowa. [5/16]

The Cubs used seven relievers on Friday (with two of those failing to record an out), so you had to figure another pitcher would be on his way to Wrigley soon. What you didn't expect was that pitcher taking a roster spot away from an outfielder, thus leaving the Cubs with a three-man bench. Yet Jed Hoyer's reluctance to dump Phil Coke or Travis Wood—two of four left-handed pitchers in the bullpen—means Joe Maddon will have limited pinch-hitting and double-switch options for the time being.

Anyway, Schlitter joins the big-league club for the second time this season. He's an abnormally large and hairy individual, with a power arsenal that suggests he ought to miss bats. Alas, he doesn't—not in the majors, at least, where he's struck out five batters per nine through his first 70 innings. To his credit, Schlitter has generated an impressive amount of groundballs, giving him one marketable attribute. As with his cousins, you probably won't see Schlitter around for long before he returns to the sticks.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
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Recalled SS-S Luis Sardinas from Triple-A Colorado Springs; placed SS-R Jean Segura on the 15-day disabled list (fractured finger). [5/14]

Sardinas becomes the first member of the Yovani Gallardo return to reach the majors with the Brewers, and he does so just days before turning 22—some b-day present, huh? The Brewers would prefer Segura be healthy—especially if they're entertaining trade offers for him—yet Sardinas is a decent proxy. As with Segura, Sardinas relies upon his defense, batting average, and speed to remain employable. His bat will determine whether he's a starter or reserve for the long haul, but the good news is there's enough here to think this will be the first of many birthdays he celebrates in Milwaukee.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
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Recalled 3B-R Maikel Franco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley; outrighted RHP Dustin McGowan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. [5/15]

A controversial move—not because the Phillies brought up a young player, but because Franco's promotion came as soon as enough time passed to delay his free agency for a season. Call it a happy coincidence, crafty management, or some combination thereof; whatever the term, it stinks for Franco.

What doesn't stink for Franco is the opportunity to become the Phils' everyday third baseman. Cody Asche is learning how to play left field in the minors, and neither Cesar Hernandez nor Andres Blanco should prevent Franco from starting as often as possible. That's good news, since Franco could use the reps. He remains a below-average defender at third who'll need to hit a lick to prevent a move across the diamond. There's no doubting Franco's raw power, yet scouts are skeptical about how his bat will play due to an aggressive approach.

Whatever the result, Franco makes the Phillies more interesting than they were a week ago.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
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Purchased the contract of RHP Wilfredo Boscan from Triple-A Indianapolis; optioned UTL-S Steve Lombardozzi to Triple-A Indianapolis; transferred RHP Brandon Cumpton to the 60-day disabled list (Tommy John surgery). [5/16]

Like the Cubs, the Pirates exhausted their bullpen on Friday afternoon by using seven relievers, including three for multiple innings. Unlike the Cubs, the Pirates' fresh arm had no previous big-league experience. Rather Boscan has served as organizational depth for the Rangers, Padres (acquired in the hotly debated Corey Burns trade), and Red Sox. Boscan had spent the season in Indianapolis' rotation, but those who don't follow the International League closely have no reason to know about him. That's because Boscan is a finesse pitcher without the raw stuff to stick in the majors. Even so, here's hoping he gets a big-league moment before being shipped back to Indianapolis.

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smitty99
5/18
Franco is off to a great start. (Super small sample size). He looks pretty good at 3B. Arm has been very strong and accurate. He's also young -- which is nice.
oldbopper
5/19
I needed to be revived after I saw that Joe Blanton had showed up on a major league roster again. Batting practice pitchers are usually members of the coaching staff.