Yankees Call Up Ali Sánchez; Pirates’ Ashcraft Struggles, Twins’ Lewis Shifts to First Base

The New York Yankees officially selected Ali Sánchez’s contract on Monday, marking a potential shift in their catching rotation. Sánchez, the first right-handed hitting catcher to start for the Yankees since Jose Trevino in the 2024 World Series, could see action in Tuesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox, who are starting left-hander Ranger Suarez to counter the Yankees’ Cam Schlittler. The move gives the Yankees more offensive flexibility behind the plate.

Pirates’ starter Braxton Ashcraft had a tough outing in Monday’s 6-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves, surrendering a first-inning run for the first time in his career. That run came via a sac fly and a two-RBI double from Austin Riley. The Braves built a 2-0 lead and eventually took advantage of a rough night from Ashcraft, who allowed six earned runs on nine hits over five innings. Despite the loss, Ashcraft still ranks among the league’s top starters with a 3.28 ERA and a 2.1 fWAR through 79 2/3 innings this season.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers found themselves in a tense moment during their 4-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners. In the fifth inning, Tigers starter Keider Montero threw a 96 MPH fastball up and in to Mariners’ slugger Josh Naylor, hitting him in the right shoulder. Naylor stayed in the game and even joked about the pitch, telling reporters, “I knew it was on purpose.” The play came after Naylor scored from first base earlier in the inning, and his sliding mitt appeared to interfere with Tigers’ catcher Dillon Dingler on the play at home.

In a different kind of shift, the Minnesota Twins recalled Royce Lewis and gave him his first major league start at first base. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Lewis has primarily played third base since making his MLB debut in 2022. His 52 wRC+ and 30% strikeout rate have raised concerns, but the move to first base could expand his value. Brooks Lee, meanwhile, has taken over as the team’s starting third baseman, posting a 96 wRC+ in 242 plate appearances this season.

The Yankees will look to start Sánchez on Tuesday against the Red Sox as they continue their AL East battle. The Pirates will hope Ashcraft can rebound in his next start, while the Twins aim to see if Lewis can find his footing at first base.