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.

Hartlieb signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Monday.

Hartlieb spent the large majority of the 2023 campaign with the Triple-A affiliate of the Marlins in Jacksonville, where he posted a 3.63 ERA and 46:18 K:BB across 44.2 innings. The 29-year-old righty has logged only nine relief appearances at the major-league level since the beginning of the 2021 season, but he could factor into Colorado's bullpen mix in 2024.

Rainey agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Nationals on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The 30-year-old righty missed almost all of 2023 on the road back from Tommy John surgery, but he tossed a scoreless inning against Atlanta on Sept. 30 and averaged 96.3 mph with his fastball. He should work in a setup role for Washington in 2024.

The Cardinals outrighted Naughton (elbow) to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

Naughton made only four major-league appearances in 2023 before requiring June surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his left elbow. The 27-year-old southpaw is now off the 40-man roster in St. Louis.

Atlanta claimed Murfee (elbow) off waivers from the Mets on Tuesday.

The Mets claimed Murfee off waivers from the Mariners in late October, but he's now moving on to a different organization in the NL East. The 29-year-old reliever underwent surgery this past July to repair the UCL in his right elbow and is expected to miss the first half of the 2024 campaign.

The Nationals designated Abbott for assignment Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

The Nats needed to free up some space on the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 protection deadline and Abbott is one of the casualties. Abbott posted a 6.64 ERA across 22 relief appearances with the big club in 2023 and seems likely to pass through waivers unclaimed.

Cronin (back) was sent outright Friday to Triple-A Rochester, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Cronin passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment by the Nationals on Monday. The 26-year-old left-hander battled back problems in 2023 and struggled to a 5.02 ERA and 13:14 K:BB in 14.1 innings with Triple-A Rochester. He underwent surgery in August to repair a herniated disc.

The Padres re-signed Carlton (elbow) to a minor-league contract Friday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Carlton was removed from the Padres' 40-man roster earlier this month and elected free agency, but he's now back with the Friars on a minor-league pact. The reliever missed the final three months of this season with an elbow issue, and it's not clear what his current health situation is.