With the DL assignment of the struggling Clay Buchholz, the Red Sox need a No. 5 starter. Bartolo Colon won't be ready, so early next week it could be Justin Masterson coming back to the majors.
Masterson has struggled back in Double-A, but his one-start audition was very impressive. He was throwing frisbee sliders and earned himself the designation as the defacto No. 6 starter. Take a flier on Masterson in all deeper leagues.
Another prospect note on an elite pitching prospect: Clayton Kershaw's promotion might be delayed after his shaky start in Double-A on Monday. The Dodgers need a No. 5 starter Saturday, May 17, but then they can skip the No. 5 spot again until May 27.
So, May 27 is a more likely date of Kershaw's call-up at this point, according to MiLB.com.
Interesting May 27 ... in time for a two-start week and just before June 1 -- when we expect the next big wave of prospects to be called up.
Jay Bruce and Homer Bailey should also arrive before June 1 at this point.
-- Thomas Hanson was promoted to Double-A and dazzled again. He could make a serious impact with the rotation-needy Braves in the second half. Or even before?
-- A less prospect-heavy note: Mike Hessman has 17 homers in Triple-A. The minor league journeyman has pop and could help the Tigers in a pinch at some point soon.
Emack.