Minor League News and Notes: June 1

Breaking down a flurry of transactions involving minor league players.

Many prospects have trouble making an impact during their first go-around in the majors. There are very few Mike Trouts and Bryce Harpers in the world. Because of this, many players are promoted and demoted multiple times throughout the season.

In the past day, many players have been promoted – both to a higher minor league level and a major league one – with the hope of eventually finding a secure spot on a major league roster.

Rusney Castillo was recalled to take the roster spot of Jackie Bradley Jr., who was placed on paternity leave on Tuesday. Bradley Jr. is expecting the birth of his first child. Castillo has spent the majority of the year with Triple-A Pawtucket and is batting .241 with one home run and 13 RBI.

Bradley Jr. has been one of Boston’s hottest hitters as of late, recently having his 29-game hitting streak snapped. Castillo was not in the lineup Tuesday night, as Chris Young started in center field.

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When Bradley Jr. returns, Castillo will likely be sent down; the move is just temporary. Boston sports one of the best outfields in baseball – currently Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart – and there is no room for the 28-year-old.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Julio Urias was recalled from the minor leagues less than one week after his major league debut. Left-hander Alex Wood was placed on the disabled list with elbow soreness.

The 19-year-old made his debut last Friday, giving up three runs in 2.2 innings. He also struck out three, gave up five hits and four walks.

Urias will take over the rotation spot for the injured Wood. However, he has thrown 43.2 innings over the minors and majors this season, and will likely be shut down around 100 (his career high was 87.2 in 2014).

As for the other LA team, the Angels recalled Jefry Marte from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday. Marte has a .265 average, three home runs and 24 RBI in 44 games.

Marte batted fifth Tuesday night and filled in for Yunel Escobar, who remains out with a wrist injury. He hit 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.

The Seattle Mariners will recall starting pitcher James Paxton for Wednesday’s game, according to the Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish.

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His role remains unknown, but with Felix Hernandez landing on the disabled list Wednesday, he will likely fill-in for the time being. So far at Triple-A, Paxton has a 3.97 ERA in 47.2 innings.

The Minnesota Twins promoted prospect Kohl Stewart to Double-A Chattanooga. In nine games, Stewart boasts a 2.61 ERA and a 7.7 K/9 ratio.

Stewart is the No. 7 prospect in the Minnesota organization and fourth ranked pitcher. He is the former fourth overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft and may find himself in Triple-A at the end of the year if he keeps up his dominant play.

News in the Big Apple, as James Loney was officially added to the Mets’ 25-man roster. The seasoned veteran was playing at Triple-A El Paso in the Padres system, where he was hitting .342 with 28 RBI.

Loney will start at first base while Lucas Duda rehabs back from a back injury.

In smaller news, Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Ryan Weber was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. This move comes after the Braves traded Jason Grilli to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Weber pitched in the majors last season, but struggled, posting a 4.76 ERA over 28.1 innings. This year, Weber owns a 10.57 ERA over 7.2 innings in the majors. On the bright side, the right-hander owns a 2.81 ERA through 25.2 innings at Triple-A.

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The Oakland Athletics recalled left-hander Eric Surkamp from Triple-A Nashville and optioned Zach Neal.

Surkamp has bounced around the majors and minors since 2011, most recently posting a 6.55 ERA in five starts this year. He will take over the rotation spot previously owned by Neal.