MLB Player News

Burdi agreed Wednesday with the Rays on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to MLB spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Once seen as a potential bullpen ace while he was a prospect in the White Sox system, Burdi has beset by numerous injuries in recent years and would do well just to resurface in the majors in a low-leverage role in 2023. The 27-year-old right-hander hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2021 and wasn't especially effective over his 13 innings with two of the Nationals' lower-level minor-league affiliates last season, posting a 1.38 ERA but issuing 10 walks.

Heller and the Rays agreed Wednesday on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to MLB spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Heller has previously made 31 relief appearances in the majors, but none over the past two seasons while missing extensive time due to arm-related injuries. He pitched just 8.2 innings in the minors as a member of the Twins organization in 2022 and surrendered nine earned runs on nine hits and 10 walks.

Kelley agreed to a minor-league deal with the Rays on Wednesday which includes an invitation to spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander has struggled to a 7.13 ERA in 32 career MLB appearances, including a 6.08 ERA for the Brewers in 2022 over 23.2 innings of work in 18 games. He'll have an outside chance of making the Rays out of spring training with a strong showing in the Grapefruit League.

Cyr was released by the Athletics on Tuesday.

Cyr was designated for assignment and handed his release papers after going unclaimed. The right-hander made 11 appearances for Oakland with a 2.08 ERA over 13 innings of work.

The Cubs designated Rodriguez for assignment Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rodriguez was removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Julian Merryweather, whom the Cubs claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays. The 26-year-old right-hander posted a 3.29 ERA in 14 appearances with the Cubs while registering a 8:9 K:BB over 13.2 innings.

The Cubs claimed Merryweather off waivers from the Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Merryweather lost his spot on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster last week, when the team required a spot for the newly signed Brandon Belt. The right-hander struggled to a 6.75 ERA over 26.2 innings in 26 appearances last season while missing time with an oblique strain. He should battle for a spot in the Cubs' bullpen this spring.

Young signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Tuesday.

The deal includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Young appeared in 24 games with the Giants last year, and registered a 2.39 ERA with a 20:11 K:BB ratio over 26.1 innings pitched. He'll have a chance to win a spot in the Cincinnati bullpen with a good showing in the Cactus League, but he shouldn't be on a fantasy radar to begin 2023.

The Mariners claimed Bukauskas off waivers from Arizona on Tuesday.

After being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Bukauskas will now get another chance to contribute to a major-league pitching staff with Seattle. Bukauskas spent the first few months of last season on the injured list, but was able to return and post a 2.79 ERA and 1.31 WHIP through 19.1 frames with Triple-A Reno. To make room for the 26-year-old reliever, the Mariners designated Alberto Rodriguez for assignment.

Ortega cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul by the Twins on Tuesday.

Ortega will remain in the organization after being designated for assignment and has been invited to major-league spring training. The 26-year-old had been a waiver claim of the Twins earlier this month.

Machado cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester by the Nationals on Tuesday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

He's lost his spot on the 40-man roster but will remain in the organization. Machado collected a 3.34 ERA in 59.1 innings last season for the Nationals.