Braves' Soroka sidelined by shoulder soreness

No. 24 overall prospect experiencing discomfort, out for a week

Mike Soroka has posted a career 1.09 WHIP over four Minor League seasons (361 1/3 innings). (Steven Goldburg/Norfolk Tides)

By Sam Dykstra | February 22, 2019 5:22 PM ET

No. 24 overall prospect Mike Soroka has been shut down temporarily after experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker told the media Friday,

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Angels' Tucker, free agent Payne suspended

Lefty to miss first 50 games of 2019 season following violation

Bo Tucker (left) and Josh Payne will miss their next 50 games in the Minors.

By Danny Wild | February 22, 2019 5:03 PM ET

Angels prospect Bo Tucker and former Mets Minor Leaguer Joshua Payne were handed 50-game suspensions on Friday after both tested positive for banned substances.

Danny Wild is an editor for MiLB.com. Follow his MLBlog column, Minoring in Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tigers' Mize makes Spring Training debut

No. 17 overall prospect tosses two innings in Grapefruit opener

Casey Mize is a non-roster invitee to Tigers Major League camp this spring. (Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos)

February 22, 2019 4:39 PM ET

Making his Spring Training debut, No. 17 overall prospect Casey Mize gave up one earned run on three hits and struck out two over two innings in the Tigers' 13-2 rout of Southeastern University.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toolshed: KC's Melendez rounding out skills

2017 second-rounder vying to be rare complete-package catcher

MJ Melendez threw out 26 of 62 attempted basestealers while also raking for Class A Lexington last year. (Chris Robertson/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | February 22, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Third-ranked Kansas City Royals prospect MJ Melendez enters his second Spring Training hoping to mold himself into an increasingly rare breed: a catcher who's a strong all-around player.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

The Show Before the Show: Episode 197

Nationals' Sharp talks life as a sinkerballer, dunk contest dreams

February 21, 2019 11:51 AM ET

Nationals prospect Sterling Sharp talks about life as a sinkerballer and his dunk contest dreams on the latest Minor League Baseball podcast.

Listen to The Show Before the Show podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Let the gains begin: MiLB's most improved

A level-by-level look at biggest per-game attendance increases

Fans flocked to Greeneville's Pioneer Park in 2018, thanks to a new affiliation and an ambitious, proactive front office approach.

By Benjamin Hill | February 21, 2019 10:13 AM ET

Which Minor League teams posted the biggest attendance gains in 2018, and why? From the Oklahoma City Dodgers to the Lake Elsinore Storm to the Greeneville Reds, Ben Hill takes a look.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Ambassadors for Change: Thyran Nowden

Spotlighting the people, programs and stories that champion diversity and inclusion in Minor League Baseball

Akron RubberDucks Account Executive Thyran Nowden. (David Monseur)

By Benjamin Pereira | February 21, 2019 9:46 AM ET

Throughout Black History Month, Minor League Baseball will spotlight the people and programs that champion diversity and inclusion in the industry. This edition features Akron RubberDucks Account Executive Thyran Nowden.

Benjamin Pereira is an associate at Minor League Baseball. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Farm System Rankings: Pitchers (10-1)

Braves reign supreme once more; Padres right behind them

Four of the Braves' five top 100 prospects made their big league debuts last year. (Steven Goldburg, Taylor Botta, Will Fagan, Bernie Connelly)

By Chris Bumbaca | February 20, 2019 9:59 AM ET

With Opening Day just around the corner, MiLB.com takes a look at the state of all 30 farm systems. Here are organizations 10-1 based on pitching strength.

Chris Bumbaca is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @BOOMbaca. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Basabe to miss time with broken hamate

White Sox outfielder expected to return to games by mid-May

Luis Alexander Basabe has produced an .800 OPS over six Minor League seasons. (Brian McLeod/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | February 19, 2019 2:59 PM ET

White Sox outfield prospect Luis Alexander Basabe needs surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand and won't return to game action for 12 weeks, according to reports Tuesday.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Farm system rankings: Pitchers (20-11)

Keller ready to make impact with Bucs; Jays more than big bats

Mitch Keller struck out 57 over 52 1/3 innings in the International League to end last season. (Joe Santry/MiLB.com)

By Rob Terranova | February 19, 2019 11:03 AM ET

With Opening Day just around the corner, MiLB.com takes a look at the state of all 30 farm systems. Here are organizations 20-11, based on pitching talent and depth.

Rob Terranova is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter, @RobTnova24. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.