First, it was Dodgers phenom Clayton Kershaw on Sunday. Now, it will be Reds super prospect Jay Bruce making his major league debut on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 21-year old outfielder will presumably take over full-time duties in center field, pushing Corey Patterson and Ryan Freel back into reserve roles.

Bruce was hitting .419 for Triple-A Louisville in the month of May, raising his season average to an International League-leading .364 in 49 games. He had 10 home runs, 24 extra-base hits, 37 RBIs and 8 stolen bases, and he ranked among the league’s top four in slugging percentage (3rd, .630), OPS (4th, 1.023) and total bases (2nd, 116). Read more »

Entering Sunday, Eric Byrnes was a .224 career hitter with the bases loaded, but it was Byrnes that came through with the sacks full to give his Arizona Diamondbacks a 9-3 win over the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. It was Byrnes’ first career grand slam and second home run in as many days, and perhaps more importantly, a hit that could get the struggling outfielder back on track.

On a day that saw both in baseball headlines, Dan Uggla and Byrnes have headed in opposite directions this May. Uggla hit his 12th home run of the month, while Byrnes was hitting .135 in 74 at bats before breaking through at the expense of Tom Glavine. Read more »