MLB Player News

Oller signed a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Guardians on Wednesday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

He'll be reunited with new Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who caught Oller some in 2022 with the Athletics. Oller had a disastrous 2023 season both in the majors (10.07 ERA) and minors (6.22 ERA) but had a solid minor-league track record previously.

The Tigers designated Alexander (lat) for assignment Monday.

Before his season came to an end in July when he suffered a partial tear to his left lat, Alexander had enjoyed a solid season out of the Detroit bullpen. He pitched to a so-so 4.50 ERA, but most of Alexander's peripherals (3.66 xERA, 21.5 K-BB%) were encouraging. Alexander had advanced to throwing long toss in September, so he should be tracking toward a return to full health by spring training. Though he's no longer a member of Detroit's 40-man roster, the 29-year-old lefty could make for an appealing flyer for another organization via a waiver claim.

The Tigers outrighted Vasquez to Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

Vasquez made 42 appearances in the majors between the Phillies and Tigers in 2023, logging a 3.35 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 43:23 K:BB in 48.1 innings. Though the 30-year-old southpaw will stick in the Detroit organization for now after clearing waivers, it wouldn't be surprising if he elected free agency at a later date.

The Tigers outrighted Wingenter to Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

Wingenter went unclaimed upon being exposed to waivers after he compiled a 5.82 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB in 17 innings with the big club in 2023. The 29-year-old right-hander could opt for free agency in the coming days and assess his options on the open market, though he likely wouldn't garner anything more than a minor-league deal.

Danner (oblique) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Monday.

Danner ended the season on the injured list after suffering a left oblique strain in August, so this is merely a procedural move. He should be 100 percent for the start of spring training in February.

Cimber (shoulder) was activated from the 60-day injured list Monday.

This is purely a procedural move for Toronto, as Cimber finished the 2023 campaign on the injured list while rehabbing from a shoulder strain. He should be at full strength for the start of spring training.

The Rays selected Rodriguez's contract from Triple-A Durham on Monday.

Rodriguez, whom the Rays acquired from the Cubs on Aug. 1, excelled down the stretch for Triple-A Durham, pitching to a 3.06 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 24:8 K:BB in 17.2 innings over the final two months of the season. Now a member of the Rays' 40-man roster, the 27-year-old right-hander will look to secure a spot in the big club's Opening Day bullpen. Rodriguez previously made 34 relief appearances with the Cubs between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, logging a 4.88 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 31.1 frames.

The Blue Jays selected White's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

White lost his spot on the Jays' 40-man roster back in August, but they've now added him back on. The 28-year-old swingman struggled mightily at the big-league level in 2023, posting a 7.11 ERA over 10 appearances.

The Athletics outrighted Smith to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

He was one of four relief pitchers the Athletics dropped from their 40-man roster Monday, as right-hander Tayler Scott was also outrighted along with lefties Anthony Kay and Easton Lucas. The 28-year-old Smith made 10 appearances out of the Oakland bullpen in 2023, logging a 6.59 ERA and 9:7 K:BB across 13.2 innings.

The Athletics outrighted Scott to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Scott was moved off the 40-man roster after he compiled a 5.60 ERA, 1.87 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB in 17.2 innings over 18 appearances in the big leagues across stops with the Red Sox, Dodgers and Athletics. If Scott doesn't choose to pursue his options in free agency, he'll likely join the Athletics for spring training as a non-roster invitee with the hope of winning a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.