LEADING OFF: Vladdy Jr. debuts, La Tortuga gets his night

By: The Associated Press Posted: 8:14 PM CDT Thursday, Apr. 25, 2019 Last Modified: 1:14 AM CDT Friday, Apr. 26, 2019

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A look at what's happening around the majors today:

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A look at what's happening around the majors today:

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/04/2019 (2670 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

IT’S TIME

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is set to make his big league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays against the Oakland Athletics. The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero ripped through the minor leagues with a .331 average and .945 OPS over three-plus seasons. Guerrero’s smiling face was on the cover of the Toronto Star on Thursday beside a headline that read: “Future is Now.” The Blue Jays are opening gates earlier than usual so fans can watch the 20-year-old take batting practice.

FILE - In this July 31, 2018, file photo, Buffalo Bisons third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looks on before a minor league baseball against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Buffalo, N.Y. The Toronto Blue Jays top prospect says he feels ready to finally make the jump to the majors, while adding the decision is out of his control. Blue Jays assistant general manager Joe Sheehan said this week the team is still evaluating when to make the move. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)

AN EVENING WITH LA TORTUGA

Cult favourite Willians Astudillo is getting his own night at the ballpark in Minnesota. A third-string catcher and utility player with the Twins, Astudillo has become a fan favourite for his pudgy frame, curly hair and elite ability to put the bat on the ball. The club has dubbed it “An Evening With La Tortuga” — a nod to Astudillo’s nickname, meaning turtle in Spanish. Fans who purchased a special ticket package will get T-shirts bearing Astudillo’s nickname before the game against Baltimore.

DEGROM RETURNS

Jacob deGrom is expected to start for the Mets when they open a three-game set against Milwaukee. DeGrom has been on the injured list with elbow soreness and strep throat, though an MRI on Monday showed no issues in the elbow. New York might be without reliever Jacob Rhame, who was suspended for two games Thursday after twice buzzing Philadelphia’s Rhys Hoskins with high fastballs Tuesday. It’s unclear if Rhame plans to appeal.

GOOD MEDICINE

James Paxton looks to continue his well-timed roll while the short-handed Yankees try to stay hot in San Francisco. Paxton (2-2, 3.10) has struck out 24 over 12 scoreless innings in his past two starts, helping New York win its past three series despite an ever-growing injured list. Madison Bumgarner (1-3, 3.66) will start for the Giants.