A few days on the ball and one glorious day where Roster Moves was published in the morning as planned. Then the wheels came off and I’m four days behind. Sometimes the demands on my time take me in other directions. No matter. Prepare yourself for a number of RMs tonight and tomorrow morning. There just might be a new daily feature added to the list of regular Call to the Pen content.
(moves after the jump)
Trade Time:
The San Fransisco Giants traded C-Bengie Molina (35) to the Texas Rangers for RHP-Chris Ray (28) and a player to be named later who turned out to be RHP-Michael Main (21). For a more in-depth breakdown of the deal please head here for our dedicated post on the trade.
In a much more minor move, the Boston Red Sox acquired C-Kevin Cash (32) from Houston. The Astros received SS-Angel Sanchez (26) in return. Neither player has done much in the majors (or minors for that matter) and at best figure to be “temporary” backups at the major league level.
AL Central:
No moves to report.
AL East:
The Toronto Blue Jays placed RHP-Scott Richmond (30) on the minor league disabled list. This is sad news for Richmond who has been trying to work his way back from a shoulder injury and just recently started his rehab assignment on June 21st. He made 3 starts with Dunedin (A+) going 15.2 innings with a 1.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 2.25 SO/BB before being shut back down with more shoulder problems. Richmond and the Jays have been trying to avoid surgery, but with this latest setback that becomes a more and more probable outcome if he wants to pitch in future seasons.
The Baltimore Orioles placed OF/1B-Luke Scott (32) on the 15-day disabled list and called up 3B-Josh Bell (23) from Norfolk. One of the O’s top prospects, Bell went 1-4 with a strikeout in his major league debut. Scott, sidelined with a hamstring strain, doesn’t figure to miss a lot of time and Miguel Tejeda is getting paid $6 million to play third for Baltimore, so Bell’s first stint in the majors will probably be short-lived. Then again, the Orioles have the worst record in the majors by a wide margin (Pittsburgh has the second worst record at 30-52) so it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that Josh Bell remains with the team and other moves are made. He’s been decent in Triple-A (0.266/.311/.455) but he clearly has to improve his BB/SO (18/75) rate and could use more development time in Norfolk.
AL West:
The Texas Rangers called up RHP-Pedro Strop (25) and optioned LHP-Matt Harrison (24) to Oklahoma City.
NL Central:
The Cincinnati Reds called up RHP-Travis Wood (23) from Louisville.
LHP-Dana Eveland (26) cleared waivers and was outrighted to Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Houston Astros designated OF-Yordany Ramirez (25) for assignment to make room for newly acquired SS-Angel Sanchez.
The Chicago Cubs released 1B/3B-Chad Tracy (30).
NL East:
Washington Nationals RHP-Mike MacDougal (33) opted out of his minor league contract and became a free agent.
NL West:
The San Diego Padres activated RHP-Tim Stauffer (28) and OF-Matt Stairs (42) from the 15-day DL. To make room they designated RHP-Sean Gallagher (24) for assignment and optioned OF-Aaron Cunningham (24) to Portland.
The Los Angeles Dodgers outrighted RHP-Cory Wade (27) to Albuquerque.
Other:
OF-Elijah Dukes (26) signed with the Newark Bears. It was back on March 17th when the Washington Nationals released the talented outfielder who appeared assured of a starting spot. The team cited that is was a baseball decision but based on their other roster options at the time that’s a tough pill to swallow. Dukes has had his share of off-the-field difficulties, but I am blown away by the fact that no major league organization has been willing to give him another chance. Instead, he been forced to turn to the Atlantic League in independent ball. In terms of talent, there is no doubt in my mind that he should be on a 25-man roster so here’s hoping he can stay out of trouble, produce for Newark, and work his way back to the majors.
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