Roster Moves (5/24): Homer Bailey to the DL, Dana Eveland DFA’d and more

To kick things off on today’s Roster Moves report, I’ll start with the biggest prospect name involved in all of the transactions.

The Cincinnati Reds placed RHP-Homer Bailey (24) on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his pitching shoulder.  Fans are still waiting for the talented young right-hander to turn his promise into production.  It was that considerable promise that placed him atop the Reds’ prospect rankings from 2005 to 2007.  Last season it appeared as though he was transforming from prospect to legitimate major league pitcher.  In 20 starts during 2009 he went 8-5 with a 4.53 ERA, 95 ERA+ and 4.41 FIP.  Bailey’s 2010 5.51 ERA on the surface would make it seem like he is regressing.  However, his BB/9 has continued to drop while his SO/9 has climbed over his first four seasons.  His 1.95 SO/BB through 50.2 innings pitched is far and away the best of his brief major league career.  On May 23rd, Homer left his start after 2.1 IP saddled with 4 H and 3 ER but that poor outing can be dismissed thanks to the shoulder injury.  In his two starts previous to Sunday’s he went 16.0 innings while allowing 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB and 10 SO.  The bottom line here is that he is still making progress and he is still transforming into the major league pitcher so many have been hoping for since the day the Reds drafted him in the 1st round (7th overall) of the 2004 draft.  Here’s hoping his current injury doesn’t cause too much of a delay. […]

To take his place on the roster, the Reds recalled RHP-Enerio Del Rosario (24) from Triple-A Louisville.  He’s no Homer Bailey, but he did enter the year ranked as Cincinnati’s #19 prospect.  In the last two seasons he has had very little trouble in AAA and has definitely earned a chance to face major league hitters.  His line with Louisville?  49.1 IP, 1.28 ERA, 1.095 WHIP, and 2.90 SO/BB.  Not too shabby.

The Toronto Blue Jays called up LHP-David Purcey (28) from Triple-A Las Vegas.  To make room for him, the organization elected to designate LHP-Dana Eveland (26) for assignment.  Eveland started off the season on fire racking up a 3-0 record, in 18.2 IP, while allowing 16 H, 4 ER, 7 BB, and 9 SO.  At the end of his 3rd start his ERA was a sparkling 1.93.  After his May 22nd start which included 8 earned runs in 1.1 innings his ERA had ballooned to 6.45.  I would be remiss if I failed to mention his 7.0 inning, 2 hit shutout on May 6th.

Yesterday the Boston Red Sox optioned SS-Angel Sanchez (26) to Triple-A Pawtucket.  Prior to his three at bats this season with the Red Sox, his only major league experience came with the Kansas City Royals back in 2006.

Boston made two other roster moves on Monday.  They recalled RHP-Scott Atchison (34) from Pawtucket and also designated OF-Darnell McDonald (31) for assignment.  You will read more about Atchison and McDonald in tomorrow’s edition of Roster Moves since they have been involved in Boston’s game of musical chairs over the last 24 hours.

Speaking of names you will see again tomorrow, 2B-Kazuo Matsui (34) cleared waivers and became a free agent.

From a now former Astro to some current Astros.  LHP-Gustavo Chacin (29) was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock despite the fact that he rocks some sweet eyewear and was rather effective.  Sure his 13.5 H/9 is far from ideal, but the 1.69 ERA, 2.18 FIP, 1.7 BB/9, and 6.8 SO/9 are all very solid numbers.  The move opened up a roster spot for LHP-Tim Byrdak (36) who was activated from the 15-day disabled list. Prior to back and leg injuries, he had struggled this season, but based on a strong three year run from 2007-2009 he has definitely earned some time to recapture his form of season’s past.

The New York Mets activated 1B-Daniel Murphy (25) from the 15-day DL and promptly optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo.

From one Luis to another, the San Diego Padres optioned RHP-Luis Perdomo (26) to Triple-A Portland.  To take his place on the roster, they called up OF-Luis Durango (24).  Nathaniel Stolz, our Padres lead writer on Chicken Friars had this to say about the move.

From one 30-something catcher to another, the Philadelphia Phillies designated C-Paul Hoover (34) for assignment and activated C-Brian Schneider (33) from the 15- day DL.

Speaking of catchers, the Washington Nationals placed C-Ivan Rodriguez (38) on the 15-day DL with a lower back strain.

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