MLB Player News

Pagan was traded from the Rays to the Padres on Saturday in exchange for outfielder Manuel Margot and prospect Logan Driscoll, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Pagan finished 2019 as Tampa Bay's closer and went 20-for-28 in save chances with a 2.31 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 96:13 K:BB across 70 innings, but he'll now make his way to San Diego. The 29-year-old's fantasy value will take a significant hit, as Kirby Yates established himself as one of the top closers in baseball last season with a 1.19 ERA and 41 saves for the Friars. Pagan still figures to work in a high-leverage role, but save opportunities likely will be few and far between.

Smith (elbow) began throwing bullpen sessions last week, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

He had Tommy John surgery last March, so he probably won't be ready to pitch in games until at least April or May. Smith had a 3.54 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 28 innings out of the big-league bullpen in 2018.

Rolison was invited to the Rockies' major-league spring training Wednesday.

Rolison spent a majority of the 2019 season pitching for High-A Lancaster, recording a 4.87 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 118:38 K:BB in 116.1 innings. Drafted by Colorado 22nd overall in 2018, the highly-rated pitching prospect has earned praise for his excellent command while pitching in an extremely hitter-friendly ballpark for Lancaster. Rolison will have the opportunity to learn from the big-league coaching staff this spring before likely returning to the minors for more seasoning.

Collins signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Wednesday.

Collins made nine relief appearances for the Cubs in 2019, but he spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, where he recorded a 4.67 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 37:16 K:BB across 27 innings. The 30-year-old served as the Royals' primary set-up man during 2013 and will have the opportunity to make an impression on his fourth major-league coaching staff this spring.

Hammer was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Wednesday.

Hammer recorded a 3.79 ERA in his 19-inning debut for the Phillies last season, but that came with a poor 13:12 K:BB. The move clears a spot for the Phillies to claim Deolis Guerra off waivers from the Brewers.

Quijada was designated for assignment Monday, Craig Mish of FNTSY Sports Radio reports.

The move clears room for the Marlins to add Matt Joyce to the roster. The lefty made his big-league debut in 2019, posting an unimpressive 5.76 ERA in 29.2 innings as his 30.6 percent strikeout rate was more than canceled out by his 18.1 percent walk rate.

Garcia was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Monday, Craig Mish of FNTSY Sports Radio reports.

The move clears space on the 40-man roster for the Marlins to add Brandon Kintzler. It's a somewhat surprising transaction, as Garcia's 3.02 ERA in 50.2 innings last season was second among pitchers who threw at least one inning for Miami. His peripherals are modest at best, as he struck out just 18.9 percent of opposing batters, but he could still be a fairly appealing name on the waiver wire.

Thompson received an invitation to the Cardinals' big-league camp Friday.

The 19th overall pick in last year's draft will get to spend some time with the big-league coaching staff, though he's still a few years from joining them on a permanent basis. He threw just 15.1 innings in his first year as a professional.

Kelley was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Friday.

Kelley was claimed off waivers from the Red Sox in December but will be bumped from the 40-man roster after the Phillies claimed Reggie McClain from the Mariners in a corresponding move. Kelley allowed eight runs in 8.1 innings in his debut last season.

Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on Thursday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Hernandez spent most of his time in 2019 with High-A Lynchburg, posting a 2.22 ERA and 50:15 K:BB across 44.2 innings. Seeing as the southpaw has tallied just 14.2 innings above High-A, he figures to spend most, if not all, of the 2020 season in the minors.