Roster Moves (6/27): Mike Sweeney to the DL, Garrett Atkins DFA’d

Just 7 teams got involved in roster moves on the 27th.  The day was carried by several 30+ players (Atkins, Sweeney, and Uehara) with several other moves made as a result of yesterday’s big trade between the Mariners and Indians.

(moves after the jump)

AL Central:

With Russell Branyan now on his way to Seattle, the Cleveland Indians called up Matt LaPorta (25) to be the team’s everyday first basement for the remained of the season.  At least that is their plan.  We will see if LaPorta can actually hit major league pitching or if he is destined to be a 4A player.

The Chicago White Sox placed RHP-Bobby Jenks (29) on the Family Medical Emergency List.  LHP-Erick Threets (28) was called up from Charlotte.

AL East:

The Batimore Orioles activated RHP-Koji Uehara (35) from the 15-day disabled list.  3B/1B-Garrett Atkins (30) was designated for assignment to make room for Uehara on the 25-man roster.  Atkins has fallen off sharply since 2006 when he put up a solid 136 OPS+ season for the Colorado Rockies.  Since then his OPS+ has tumbled from 113 in 2007, 96 in 2008, 66 in 2009 to a low mark of 53 this season.  During the month of June, the O’s sent Atkins to the plate only 18 times. His possible designation or outright release has been mentioned by various sources in recent days so this move shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.  It’s almost a given that he will clear waivers and become a free agent.  Also a given is the fact, he will be back in the majors this season.  Some team will take a chance on him despite the precipitous drop-off in his offensive output.

AL West:

The back is back, back, back, back, back … toast!  Seattle Mariners 1B/DH-Mike Sweeney (36) was placed on the 15-day disabled list.  The move was made retroactive to June 26th and due to yet another back injury.  He managed just 3 games of active duty from June 18th-June 25th before being sidelined by those pesky back spasms, but he was 3-10 with a 2B and 2 RBI during that span.  This is his second DL stint of the season and sadly it’s probably not his last, but no matter, he will always be one of my personal favorites.  With a spot on the roster open, Seattle called up RHP-David Pauley (27).  Finally, with Branyan on his way West, the Seattle Mariners optioned 1B-Mike Carp to Triple-A Tacoma.

NL Central:

The Cincinnati Reds called up LHP-Bill Bray (27) to take the place of RHP-Sam LeCure (26) who was optioned to Louisville.

The Houston Astros designated RHP-Josh Banks (27) for assignment.

NL East:

No moves to report.

NL West:

The San Fransisco Giants transferred utility player Mark DeRosa (35) from the 15-day to 60-day disabled list.  In other Giants DL news, the team activated 2B-Emmanuel Burriss (25) from the 60-day DL and optioned him to Fresno.

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