MLB Prospect Watch

Prospect Potent Potables - 7/27

• Don't expect the Tigers to part ways with Jacob Turner, Andy Oliver, or Charlie Furbush in order to get a two-month rental, says Jason Beck of MLB.com.
• Wilmer Flores has been receiving rave reviews for his advanced hitting approach for a teenager, and the latest installment comes from rehabbing Mets' star Carlos Beltran, reports Steve Popper for Baseball America.
• Yet another case for J.P. Arencibia's impending arrival in the majors, this one courtesy of Brad Johnson of The Hardball Times.
• Despite the A's struggles, Billy Beane remains non-committal on placing a timetable on the arrival of Chris Carter and Michael Taylor, reports Alex Espinoza of MLB.com.  He also notes that Chris Sale is very much on the White Sox radar as a potential reliever down the stretch.
• Kyle Weiland is doing his best not to get lost in the impressive mix of Red Sox' prospects.  And don't read too much in to the team's demotion of Michael Bowden, as Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald points out that manager Terry Francona still thinks highly of the young righty and is willing to rely on him in the near future.
• Michael Pineda is doing more than that, as he continues to shoot up the prospect lists and impress even the highest levels of Mariners' officials and scouts, says Mike McCall of MLB.com.
• Don't forget about Aroldis Chapman, the Reds' major off-season free agent signing who is now working in a relief role and just worked back-to-back days for the first time as a professional, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

Making Moves - 7/23

• Lorenzo Cain impressed the Brewers in his week with the team, but that didn't keep them from sending him back to Triple-A when they needed his roster spot, reports Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
• The minors' strike out leader, Charlie Fairbush, is now in Triple-A, and he's still striking batters out by the bunches.
• Yankees' fans may begin calling for Jesus Montero's promotion if their DH situation doesn't improve, but Matt Imbrogno of TYU warns against that, reminding everyone that Montero is still just a prospect.

Injury Updates - Tate, Cumberland, Friedrich, Crosby

• Donavan Tate has been out of the lineup again, this time due to a stomach virus, reports Keven Gemmell of the San Diego Union-Tribune.  Tate should be back in a few days, but time away from the field is something that's becoming a bit of a habit for the former first round pick.  Fellow prospect Drew Cumberland is being looked at by team doctors and the Padres will establish a timetable for his return, which may not include the 2010 season.
• Rockies' LHP Christian Friedrich had to leave his last start early with an elbow injury caused by a batted ball, reports Jack Etkin of Inside the Rockies.  The injury is not believed to be serious, but the team will be careful with Friedrich who has a history of elbow injuries.
• The Tigers have shut down Casey Crosby for the remainder of the year due to recurring swelling in his left (throwing) elbow, reports Jason Beck of MLB.com.  At the moment, Crosby does not need surgery, but he will not throw for almost two months.

Making Moves - 7/5

• Nick Franklin, one of the Seattle Mariners' three first or supplemental round picks in 2009, could be in line for a promotion, says Chris Crawford of Prospect Insider.com.
• The Phillies have moved former first-round pick Joe Savery to the bullpen in an attempt to revitalize the struggling lefty's career, reports Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer.  The team also promoted Matt Way to the Florida State League, where he will take the place of Trevor May, who was sent down a level, reports PhuturePhillies.com.  Oh, and Domonic Brown is essentially untouchable.
• The Royals have promoted pitcher Chris Dwyer to Double-A, further adding to an already prospect-laden team, notes RoyalsProspects.com.
• The international free agent market is in full swing, and some significant bonuses are being handed out.  
• • The Rockies signed Dominican LHP Jose Tovar, reports Steve Foster of Inside the Rockies.  
  • The Braves have inked Dominican RHP Mauricio Cabrera. 
  • The Tigers have opened their wallets for Venezuelan OF Danry Vazquez.
  • The Rays splurged on Dominican CF Yoel Araujo.

Tigers to Call Up Oliver?

The Detroit Tigers are set to promote pitching prospect Andy Oliver, according to Jon Paul Morosi via Twitter.  Oliver would be the team's starter on Friday night against the Atlanta Braves.

Oliver was the Tigers' 2nd round pick in the 2009 draft but did not pitch last season.  He made his professional debut this year in Double-A and has made 14 starts, compiling a 6-4 record with a 3.61 ERA.