MLB Player News

Heller (biceps) was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Wednesday.

Heller avoided arbitration with the Yankees earlier in the offseason when he signed a one-year deal with the team, but he'll now be removed from the 40-man roster after New York signed right-hander Darren O'Day in a corresponding move. Heller has pitched well over a limited sample across the past three seasons, making 21 relief appearances while posting a 1.48 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 24.1 innings. He could still compete for a major-league roster spot heading into the 2021 season.

Krehbiel agreed Wednesday with the Rays on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Aside from a brief cup of coffee in the majors with the Diamondbacks in 2018, Krehbiel has spent much of the last five seasons in the upper levels of the minors. The right-hander most recently saw action with Arizona's Triple-A affiliate in Reno in 2019, compiling a 7.69 ERA over 51 relief appearances. Though he'll get a chance to compete for spot in Tampa Bay's Opening Day bullpen, Krehbiel is most likely bound for Triple-A Durham to begin 2021.

Quezada was traded from the Phillies to the Cardinals on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Quezada was claimed off waivers by Philadelphia at the end of October, but he'll now join the Cardinals ahead of spring training. The right-hander hadn't pitched above the High-A level prior to making his major-league debut in 2020. Over three relief appearances for the Marlins, Quezada allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out two over three innings. If he makes the big-league roster with St. Louis, he should pitch mainly in low-leverage situations.

Pruitt (elbow) is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, Brian McTaggart of the Astros' official site reports.

Pruitt underwent surgery last September for a hairline fracture in his right elbow after missing the abbreviated 2020 season. He had been in the mix for a spot in the rotation during the first training camp prior to the pandemic, but the elbow put the kibosh on any chances to start when the season opened in July. Once healthy, the right-hander is expected to serve in a swing role with multiple innings as a reliever or starter/opener.

Chargois signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Chargois left affiliated ball last winter to join the Rakuten Eagles in Japan. He didn't exactly cover himself in glory overseas, struggling to a 5.81 ERA and a 19:14 K:BB in 26.1 innings. Between those struggles and his 6.33 ERA in 21.1 innings for the Dodgers in his latest big-league action in 2019, it's no surprise he had to settle for a minor-league deal.

Peters was designated for assignment by the Angels on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Peters was booted from the 40-man roster to make room for the acquisition of Aaron Slegers, who was sent to the Angels earlier in the evening in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. The lefty had a rough showing in his lone big-league appearance of the 2020 season, surrendering three runs on three hits and two walks while fanning two over one inning.

Sims (elbow) said on his personal Twitter page on Monday that he had no concerns regarding his readiness for Opening Day.

Reds general manager Nick Krall said Monday that Sims would be delayed to start camp due to elbow tightness. The righty didn't deny those reports but said that the delay was purely precautionary. Players are typically rather optimistic about their own health, and even if Sims opens the season without an official injury designation, he will be at a high risk of re-injury.

Sims has battled elbow tightness over the offseason and will be delayed at the start of camp, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

While it's too early to know whether or not the issue will send Sims to the injured list, it's certainly not positive news for the right-hander. He's expected to be in the mix to close games for the Reds with Raisel Iglesias now an Angel and could get quite a few opportunities if a committee approach is used, as the top two apparent alternatives (Amir Garrett and Sean Doolittle) are both left-handed. If he misses time to start the season, however, it's possible one of those two will stake a firm claim to the role before he gets the chance to be part of the competition.

White Sox assistant general manager Chris Getz said Crochet (forearm) is being considered for a bullpen role with the major-league team, Scott Merkin of the White Sox's official site reports.

The organization's long-term plans are to use him as a starter, but Getz feels Crochet could be a fit in a multi-inning role on the White Sox in 2021. The left-hander was effective in limited exposure to MLB last season when he fanned eight, walked none and allowed three hits over six scoreless innings. He also appeared in the postseason. While Getz did not bring up Crochet's forearm strain, that he's being considered for the bullpen suggests he'll start training camp on time.

Hamilton was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Friday, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hamilton joins his fourth organization in the span of six months, having been designated for assignment by the White Sox late in the 2020 season and then passing through the Mariners' and Phillies' rosters before landing with the Twins. Nothing on his resume suggests he'll finally be able to settle down in Minnesota, as he's thrown just 12 innings at the highest level. His 4.50 ERA in those innings is unremarkable but acceptable, though his 9:7 K:BB isn't particularly encouraging.