MLB Player News

Robertson (elbow) could return sometime in the second half, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Robertson underwent Tommy John surgery in August. A typical recovery timeline from the procedure takes at least one year, but that still leaves the veteran time to return for at least the last month of the season if he's on the shorter end of that time frame. In theory, Robertson could add to his 137 career saves if and when he returns, but he won't be back in action for long enough that he should be drafted in single-season leagues.

Garcia was claimed off waivers by the Giants from the Marlins on Monday.

It's not surprising to see Garcia get claimed, as his 3.02 ERA in 50.2 innings last season was far better than the figure posted by most pitchers who pass through waivers. His 18.9 percent strikeout rate isn't particularly inspiring, but he looks to be a legitimate major-league reliever. Burch Smith was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

A deal has been agreed upon that involves the Twins sending Graterol, Luke Raley and the 67th pick in the 2020 draft to the Dodgers in return for Kenta Maeda and cash, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Graterol will be heading to the west coast after the Red Sox were unhappy with the 21-year-old's medical situation, and withdrew from a previously agreed upon deal that would have brought him to Boston. The right-handed pitching prospect finished the 2019 season with a 4.66 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 10 strikeouts in just 9.2 innings with the Twins.

Pagan was traded from the Rays to the Padres on Saturday in exchange for outfielder Manuel Margot and prospect Logan Driscoll, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Pagan finished 2019 as Tampa Bay's closer and went 20-for-28 in save chances with a 2.31 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 96:13 K:BB across 70 innings, but he'll now make his way to San Diego. The 29-year-old's fantasy value will take a significant hit, as Kirby Yates established himself as one of the top closers in baseball last season with a 1.19 ERA and 41 saves for the Friars. Pagan still figures to work in a high-leverage role, but save opportunities likely will be few and far between.

Smith (elbow) began throwing bullpen sessions last week, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

He had Tommy John surgery last March, so he probably won't be ready to pitch in games until at least April or May. Smith had a 3.54 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 28 innings out of the big-league bullpen in 2018.

Rolison was invited to the Rockies' major-league spring training Wednesday.

Rolison spent a majority of the 2019 season pitching for High-A Lancaster, recording a 4.87 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 118:38 K:BB in 116.1 innings. Drafted by Colorado 22nd overall in 2018, the highly-rated pitching prospect has earned praise for his excellent command while pitching in an extremely hitter-friendly ballpark for Lancaster. Rolison will have the opportunity to learn from the big-league coaching staff this spring before likely returning to the minors for more seasoning.

Collins signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Wednesday.

Collins made nine relief appearances for the Cubs in 2019, but he spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, where he recorded a 4.67 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 37:16 K:BB across 27 innings. The 30-year-old served as the Royals' primary set-up man during 2013 and will have the opportunity to make an impression on his fourth major-league coaching staff this spring.

Hammer was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Wednesday.

Hammer recorded a 3.79 ERA in his 19-inning debut for the Phillies last season, but that came with a poor 13:12 K:BB. The move clears a spot for the Phillies to claim Deolis Guerra off waivers from the Brewers.

Quijada was designated for assignment Monday, Craig Mish of FNTSY Sports Radio reports.

The move clears room for the Marlins to add Matt Joyce to the roster. The lefty made his big-league debut in 2019, posting an unimpressive 5.76 ERA in 29.2 innings as his 30.6 percent strikeout rate was more than canceled out by his 18.1 percent walk rate.

Garcia was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Monday, Craig Mish of FNTSY Sports Radio reports.

The move clears space on the 40-man roster for the Marlins to add Brandon Kintzler. It's a somewhat surprising transaction, as Garcia's 3.02 ERA in 50.2 innings last season was second among pitchers who threw at least one inning for Miami. His peripherals are modest at best, as he struck out just 18.9 percent of opposing batters, but he could still be a fairly appealing name on the waiver wire.