Six years after Trei Cruz was drafted, the 27-year-old is set to receive his first call-up for the Majors. Plus, another AL Central team promoted an outfielder to the Majors, as Junior Perez was called up on June 18.
Tigers promote 2020 pick Cruz
Per reports, including MLB.com, the Tigers are promoting Trei Cruz to the Majors on June 19.
The 27-year-old Cruz, once he makes his MLB debut, will be a third-generation big-leaguer. His grandfather, Jose Cruz, spent years with the Astros, while Jose Cruz Jr. was a big bat for the Toronto Blue Jays (Trei was born in Toronto).
Cruz earned a selection on the 40-man roster last year after he hit 13 home runs and posted a .411 on-base percentage between Double-A Erie & Triple-A Toledo. But this season, Cruz slashed just .225/.331/.326 with the Mud Hens.
Perez promoted for first time to Majors
The White Sox called up outfielder Junior Perez from Triple-A Charlotte. June 18 marked Perez’s first Major League contest.
Perez was added to the Athletics’ 40-man roster last season after a 26-home run season split between Double-A and Triple-A. However, Perez led the PCL in strikeouts before his eventual DFA from the A’s organization in May.
The 24-year-old had nine extra-base hits in 20 contests with the Knights.
Recalls & options
Seth Johnson (Phillies), Ryan Johnson (Angels), and Christian Moore (Angels) were recalled from the Minors.
Moises Ballesteros (Cubs), Tanner Banks (Phillies), Brett Kerry (Angels), Logan Porter (Angels), Jair Camargo (Braves), and Carson Whisenhunt (Giants) were optioned to Triple-A.
Other notes
Bryce Wilson‘s contract was selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The Reds selected the contract of Will Banfield from Triple-A and optioned him down to the Minors immediately afterwards.
Cardinals pitcher Max Rajcic was selected from Triple-A Memphis. Chris Roycroft was designated for assignment.
Vidal Brujan (Mets), Orlando Arcia (Twins), P.J. Higgins (Reds), Santiago Espinal (Dodgers), and Michel Otanez (Rangers) were outrighted to Triple-A.
The Angels released pitcher Drew Pomeranz.
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