MLB Player News

The Padres claimed Gillaspie off waivers from the Red Sox on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Gillaspie had been a waiver claim by Boston in September but never made an appearance with the big club. The 26-year-old holds a 4.10 ERA and 18:8 K:BB over 26.1 career innings at the major-league level. He'll try to win a middle relief job in San Diego.

The Padres outrighted Knehr (elbow) to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Knehr underwent Tommy John surgery this past August and is likely to be sidelined for much -- if not all -- of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old reliever no longer holds a 40-man roster spot in San Diego.

The Diamondbacks sent Rodriguez (shoulder) outright to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Rodriguez underwent right shoulder surgery back in November 2021, and multiple setbacks in his recovery limited him to just three minor-league rehab appearances in 2023. There have been no updates on his return timeline since his most recent setback in September, and he will now lose his 40-man roster spot to Blake Walston.

Kelly was designated for assignment by the Guardians on Tuesday.

Kelly is 31 years old and has logged only 20.2 career innings at the major-league level, but he's generally been effective when given a chance. The righty reliever could draw interest on waivers given the high demand -- and low supply -- for bullpen help.

The Royals selected Klein to their 40-man roster Tuesday.

Klein, 23, posted a 4.62 ERA and 93:39 K:BB in 64.1 innings of work this past year between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. The young reliever could make his MLB debut in 2024.

Staumont (neck) was designated for assignment by the Royals on Tuesday.

Staumont looked like a promising young reliever at one point, but he holds an ugly 6.09 ERA over his last 57.2 big-league innings dating back to the beginning of 2022 and required surgery this past July for thoracic outlet syndrome.

Alexander (lat) signed a one-year contract with the Rays on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Alexander was claimed off waivers from the Tigers last week. He finished the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list because of a partial lat tear but struck out 44 batters and issued only five walks over 44 innings when healthy.

Criswell was designated for assignment by the Rays on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Criswell struggled to a 5.73 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB over 33 major-league innings in 2023. The 27-year-old right-hander no longer holds a 40-man roster spot.

Faucher (biceps) was designated for assignment by the Rays on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Faucher finished the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list because of lingering biceps tendinitis and posted a rough 7.01 ERA in 25.2 innings when healthy. He is no longer part of the club's 40-man roster mix.

Pacheco (elbow) was designated for assignment by the Tigers on Tuesday.

Pacheco underwent Tommy John surgery this past June and is likely to be sidelined through the first half of the 2024 campaign. He no longer holds a spot on the Tigers' 40-man roster.