As the weekend fast approaches, here are three things to keep an eye on around Major League Baseball:
1. Randal Grichuk to make D-backs debut:
Outfielder Randal Grichuk is expected to join the Diamondbacks today in Atlanta, according to John Gambadoro of 98.7FM Phoenix. The veteran outfielder signed a one-year, $2MM deal with Arizona this winter but missed spring training after undergoing ankle surgery in January. The D-backs, who recently lost center fielder Alek Thomas to the 10-day IL with a strained hamstring, could certainly use the help in the outfield. Grichuk plays all three outfield positions.
2. MiLB appearances for Edward Cabrera, Justin Verlander, J.D. Martinez:
After making his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Jacksonville last week, Marlins starter Edward Cabrera is set to make his second start for the Jumbo Shrimp this evening (per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald). He is expected to throw four innings today; he went three in his first appearance.
Meanwhile, Justin Verlander is headed for a minor league rehab assignment, according to the transaction log at MLB.com. He is scheduled to make his first appearance at Triple-A on Sunday (per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com), but he was officially sent to join the Sugar Land Space Cowboys this morning.
Finally, Mets DH J.D. Martinez could make his first minor league appearance of the season today, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Martinez agreed to be optioned after signing his one-year, $12MM deal with the Mets, so this would not be a rehab assignment. However, it would essentially serve the same purpose, giving Martinez a chance to ramp up before getting back to big league action.
3. Home openers on the schedule:
After the Cardinals and Twins played their home openers on Thursday, a whole slate of teams will begin their first series at home today. That includes the Yankees, Tigers, and Angels in the American League, and the Braves, Giants, Pirates, and Rockies in the National League. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Guardians will have to wait until next week before finally kicking things off at their home stadiums.