Minor League Transactions

Transactions involving minor league players for the period March 23-29. All transactions conveyed by Major League Baseball.

Players who received a fourth minor league option year are indicated by an asterisk (*).

Arizona Diamondbacks
Released: RHP Parker Markel | C Gavin Stupienski | 3B Fernery Ozuna | OF Bryan Araiza | OF Grant Heyman | OF Matt McPhearson
Traded: C Ronnie Freeman to Giants and OF Ramon Flores to Red Sox for cash
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Fernando Salas | LHP Jorge de La Rosa
Removed from 40-man: RHP Albert Suarez (outrighted to Triple-A)
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Yasmany Tomas

The D-backs retained Rule 5 pick Albert Suarez for no compensation after he cleared waivers at the end of spring training. As a previously outrighted player, he could have elected free agency but instead opted to stay in the Arizona system on a minor league contract.

Atlanta Braves
Released: RHP Junior Rincon | RHP Zach Becherer | C Skyler Ewing | SS Nick King | OF Anthony Concepcion | OF Brad Keller | OF Leudys Baez | OF Stephen Gaylor
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Aaron Blair | RHP Lucas Sims | RHP Matt Wisler | 3B Rio Ruiz

Baltimore Orioles
Released: RHP Francisco Mena | RHP Jeff Ferrell | RHP Konner Wade | RHP Lazaro Leyva | RHP Nick Jobst | RHP Ralston Cash | LHP David Holmberg | LHP Hunter Cervenka | LHP Luis Lugo | 1B Joe Maloney | 2B Drew Turbin | 2B Garrett Copeland | 3B Tanner Kirk | SS Nick DiBenedetto | SS Ricardo Andujar | OF Josh Hart
Returned Rule 5 pick: RHP Jose Mesa Jr. (to Yankees)
Added to 40-man roster: 1B Pedro Alvarez | 3B Danny Valencia | OF Colby Rasmus | OF Craig Gentry
Designated for assignment: RHP Alec Asher | RHP Jesus Liranzo | RHP Michael Kelly | RHP Stefan Crichton
Optioned to Triple-A: C Andrew Susac | SS Engelb Vielma
Optioned to Double-A: RHP Alex Cobb | OF Austin Hays

The Orioles’ Opening Day roster contained three players with Rule 5 restrictions—just not the three players they drafted in the Rule 5 last winter. Baltimore returned Jose Mesa Jr. to the Yankees but kept fellow 2017 Rule 5 pitchers Nestor Cortes and Pedro Araujo. In addition to those two, the Orioles still have 2016 Rule 5 outfielder Anthony Santander under R5 restrictions because he spent most of 2017 on the disabled list.

Boston Red Sox
Released: RHP Marc Brakeman | RHP Ritzi Mendoza | LHP Alejandro Rodriguez | 1B Raiwinson Lameda | OF Matt McLean
Acquired: C Mike Ohlman from Rangers and OF Ramon Flores from D-backs for cash
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Marcus Walden | LHP Bobby Poyner
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brandon Workman | LHP Robby Scott | LHP Roenis Elias | 1B Sam Travis | SS Tzu-Wei Lin

Chicago Cubs
Released: RHP Dave Berg | RHP Mark Malave | RHP Steve Perakslis | LHP Carson Sands | LHP Marc Huberman | LHP Tommy Thorpe | C Cael Brockmeyer | 3B Adonis Paula | 3B Kevin Cornelius | OF Peter Bourjos | OF Robert Garcia
Loaned to Mexican League: RHP Mario Meza (to Yucatan)
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Cory Mazzoni | RHP Shae Simmons | LHP Randy Rosario

Chicago White Sox
Released: RHP Anthony Herron | RHP Dustin Antolin | RHP Gonzalez Germen | RHP Jack Charleston | RHP Josue Gerardo | RHP Thad Lowry | LHP Kevin George | C Chris O’Dowd | 1B Brandon Dulin | 3B Brady Conlan | SS Grant Massey | SS Max Dutto | OF Aaron Schnurbusch | OF Louis Silverio
Traded: 2B Dean Anna to Phillies for cash
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Hector Santiago
Removed from 40-man: RHP Jose Ruiz (outrighted to high Class A)
Optioned to high Class A: RHP Ricardo Pinto (acquired from Phillies for international bonus pool money)

Cincinnati Reds
Released: OF Ben Revere
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Kevin Quackenbush | 2B Phil Gosselin | SS Cliff Pennington
Removed from 40-man: LHP Justin Nicolino (outrighted to Triple-A)
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Cody Reed | 2B Alex Blandino

Cleveland Indians
Signed: RHP Jake Paulson (released by Reds, March 17) | 1B Mike Napoli (re-signed)
Released: RHP Carlos Frias | RHP Carlos Torres | RHP D.J. Brown | RHP Ping-Hsueh Chen
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Matt Belisle | OF Rajai Davis
Designated for assignment: RHP Ben Taylor | OF Abraham Almonte
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Jack Leathersich

Colorado Rockies
Released: C Mitch Trees | 1B Correlle Prime | 2B Noah Perio | 3B Ashley Graeter | 3B Dante Bichette Jr. | 3B Wesley Jones | OF Max White
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jairo Diaz | C Tom Murphy | OF David Dahl | OF Noel Cuevas | OF Raimel Tapia

Detroit Tigers
Released: RHP Enrique Burgos | RHP Matt West | RHP Orbandy Rodriguez | LHP Will Lamb | C Derek Norris | 2B Alexi Amarista | 2B Junnell Ledezma | 3B Zack Cox | OF Ariel Serrano
Added to 40-man roster: 2B Niko Goodrum
Removed from 40-man: LHP Blaine Hardy (outrighted to Triple-A)

Houston Astros
Released: LHP Matt Bower | LHP Nathan Thompson | LHP Salvador Montano | C Anthony Hermelyn | C Ray Henderson | 1B Dex McCall | 2B Rodrigo Ayarza | 3B Brody Westmoreland | 3B Wander Franco | OF Jose Benjamin
Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Tyler White | 2B Tony Kemp

Kansas City Royals
Released: RHP Cody Nesbit | RHP Daniel Garmendia | RHP Geoffrey Bramblett | RHP Jackson Sigman | RHP Mike Austin | RHP Mitchell Schulewitz | RHP Ricky Nolasco | 1B Joe Dudek | 2B Jonathan McCray | 3B Tyler Straub | OF Amalani Fukofuka | OF Cody Jones | OF Cristhian Vasquez | OF Michael Saunders | OF Roman Collins
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Blaine Boyer | SS Ryan Goins
Designated for assignment: RHP Kyle Zimmer
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kevin McCarthy

Los Angeles Angels
Signed: RHP Adrian De Horta (released by Padres, March 19) | C Alexis Olmeda (released by D-backs, March 18)
Released: RHP Doug Willey | RHP Jackson Zarubin | RHP Tyler Warmoth | LHP Winston Lavendier | C Manuel Herazo | 1B Brennan Morgan | 2B Artemis Kadkhodaian | 2B Tim Arakawa | 3B Colin Walsh | SS Matt McCann | OF Jordan Serena
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Shohei Ohtani
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Felix Pena

Los Angeles Dodgers
Signed: RHP Logan Ondrusek (did not play in 2017)
Released: RHP Jordan Jankowski | RHP Osiris Ramirez | LHP Cesar Ramos | LHP Christian Stolo | LHP Francis Cespedes | C Shawn Zarraga | 3B Jose Brizuela | SS Kevin Lachance
Traded: RHP Adam Bray to Twins and C Garrett Kennedy and OF Ariel Sandoval to Mariners for cash
Loaned to Mexican League: RHP Saul Castellanos (to Laguna)
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Andrew Toles

Miami Marlins
Signed: RHP Zech Lemond (released by Padres, March 19) | 1B Skyler Ewing (released by Braves, March 25)
Released: SS Junior Arrojo
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jacob Turner | C Bryan Holaday | SS Yadiel Rivera
Designated for assignment: C Austin Nola
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brian Ellington | OF Magneuris Sierra

Milwaukee Brewers
Released: RHP Matt Miller | RHP Michael Gonzalez | RHP Parker Bean | RHP Rolando Pascual | RHP Taylor Stark | C Leudi Otano | 1B Dustin DeMuth | 3B Andres Martinez | SS Brent Brewer | SS Francisco Thomas | SS Julian Jarrard | OF Ronny Puello
Added to 40-man roster: 1B Ji-Man Choi
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Junior Guerra* | RHP Taylor Williams | OF Brett Phillips | OF Keon Broxton

The Brewers completed several paperwork transactions this time, releasing a handful of players who had been inactive for several years, whether voluntarily retired or on the restricted list.

Minnesota Twins
Released: RHP Eduardo Del Rosario | RHP Keaton Steele | RHP Michael Kohn | RHP Patrick McGuff | RHP Sandy Lugo | RHP Tyler Beardsley | C Kevin Garcia | SS Erick Aybar | OF Levi Michael
Acquired: RHP Adam Bray from Dodgers for cash
Traded: C Rainis Silva to Mariners for cash
Added to 40-man roster: OF Ryan LaMarre
Removed from 40-man: 1B Kennys Vargas (outrighted to Triple-A)
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Jake Cave | OF Zack Granite

New York Mets
Signed: OF Levi Michael (released by Twins, March 26)
Released: LHP Ben Griset | 2B Vinny Siena | OF Arnaldo Berrios
Added to 40-man roster: 3B Phillip Evans
Removed from 40-man: OF Bryce Brentz (outrighted to Triple-A)
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Hansel Robles | RHP Zack Wheeler
Optioned to Double-A: C Tomas Nido

New York Yankees
Released: LHP Wade LeBlanc
Loaned to Mexican League: RHP Dallas Martinez (to Monterrey)
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Domingo German | RHP Luis Cessa

Oakland Athletics
Released: RHP Armando Ruiz | RHP Branden Kelliher | RHP Kris Hall | LHP Carlos Diaz | LHP Jhonny Rodriguez | LHP Kyle Twomey | 1B Chris Iriart | 2B Trent Gilbert | 3B Jordan Tarsovich | OF Kyle Nowlin
Removed from 40-man: RHP Raul Alcantara (outrighted to Triple-A)
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Frankie Montas* | RHP Trevor Cahill | 1B Mark Canha | SS Franklin Barreto | OF Dustin Fowler

Philadelphia Phillies
Signed: 2B Alexi Amarista (released by Tigers, March 24)
Released: RHP Francisco Rodriguez | RHP Jake Kelzer | RHP Parker Frazier | RHP Shane Watson | LHP Casey Brown | LHP Jhon Nunez | 2B Gunnar Buhner | SS Adam Rosales | OF David Martinelli
Acquired: 2B Brandon Bednar from Giants and 2B Dean Anna from White Sox for cash
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Drew Hutchison | 2B Scott Kingery
Designated for assignment: RHP Ricardo Pinto
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Zach Eflin | LHP Zac Curtis | 2B Jesmuel Valentin | OF Roman Quinn
Optioned to high Class A: RHP Jake Arrieta

Pittsburgh Pirates
Signed: OF Daniel Nava (re-signed)
Released: RHP John Stilson | RHP Yunior Montero | LHP Cody Dickson | C Jose Barraza | OF Barrett Barnes | OF Michael Suchy | OF Ty Moore
Returned Rule 5 pick: RHP Jordan Milbrath (to Indians)
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kyle Crick | C Jacob Stallings | OF Jordan Luplow | OF Jose Osuna

St. Louis Cardinals
Released: RHP Brennan Leitao | RHP Joe Colon | RHP Nestor Molina | RHP Pedro Echemendia | LHP Corey Littrell | LHP Dewin Perez | LHP Ross Vance | 1B Casey Grayson | 1B Luis Bandes | 2B Bruce Caldwell | 3B Leobaldo Pina | SS Wilson Soriano | OF Mick Fennell | OF Ricardo Bautista | OF Vince Jackson | OF Yefri Perez
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jordan Hicks | C Francisco Pena
Designated for assignment: RHP Josh Lucas | 2B Breyvic Valera
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP John Brebbia | RHP Josh Lucas | 1B Luke Voit | OF Harrison Bader

San Diego Padres
Released: RHP Chris Young | 1B Fernando Perez | 1B G.K. Young | OF Edwin Moreno | OF Nick Torres
Loaned to Mexican League: LHP Jose Medina (to Mexico City)
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Adam Cimber | C A.J. Ellis | C Raffy Lopez
Removed from 40-man: RHP Carter Capps | RHP Rowan Wick (outrighted to Triple-A)
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Colten Brewer | RHP Phil Maton | LHP Buddy Baumann | OF Travis Jankowski

San Francisco Giants
Released: RHP Connor Kaden | RHP Hengerber Medina | RHP Jose Dominguez | RHP Jose Morel | RHP Julio Benitez | RHP Kendry Melo | RHP Luis Pino | RHP Matt Solter | RHP Reagan Bazar | LHP Grant Watson | LHP Mark Reyes | C Justin O’Conner | C Matt Pare | C Mecky Coronado | 2B Junior Amion | 2B Mike Bernal | 3B Andres Blanco | 3B Nathanael Javier | SS Juan Ciriaco | OF Juan Rodriguez
Acquired: C Ronnie Freeman from D-backs for cash
Traded: 2B Brandon Bednar to Phillies for cash
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Derek Holland | OF Gregor Blanco

Seattle Mariners
Released: RHP George Capen | RHP Hisashi Iwakuma | RHP Joey Strain | RHP Mitch Viydo | RHP Steven Ridings | C James Lovett | 1B Caleb Eldridge | 2B Gordon Beckham | 2B Joe Venturino | OF Austin Grebeck | OF Junior Lake
Acquired: C Garrett Kennedy and OF Ariel Sandoval from Dodgers and C Rainis Silva from Twins for cash
Returned Rule 5 pick: 1B Mike Ford (to Yankees)
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Casey Lawrence
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Chasen Bradford | LHP Ariel Miranda | SS Taylor Motter

The Mariners continue to purchase the rights to minor league players who had been squeezed out of the roster picture for their previous organizations and thus were in danger of being released. This time, Seattle acquired three players. Last time, they purchased four pitchers from the Royals.

Tampa Bay Rays
Released: RHP Armando Bastardo | RHP Colton Murray | RHP Michael Santos | C Johnny Monell | 1B Bobby Melley
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Austin Pruitt

Texas Rangers
Signed: RHP Bartolo Colon (re-signed)
Released: RHP Bartolo Colon | 2B Evan Van Hoosier | 3B Stephen Lohr | SS Juan Almonte | OF Darius Day
Traded: C Mike Ohlman to Red Sox for cash
Loaned to Mexican League: LHP Samuel Zazueta (to Mexico City)
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Kevin Jepsen
Designated for assignment: 1B Tommy Joseph

Toronto Blue Jays
Released: RHP Bobby Eveld | RHP Chris Hall | LHP Craig Breslow | LHP Shane Dawson
Added to 40-man roster: RHP John Axford | RHP Tyler Clippard
Designated for assignment: LHP Sam Moll
Removed from 40-man: LHP Matt Dermody (outrighted to Triple-A)
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Carlos Ramirez | RHP Joe Biagini | LHP Tim Mayza | OF Teoscar Hernandez

Washington Nationals
Signed: RHP Jeremy Hellickson (re-signed) | OF Alejandro De Aza (re-signed)
Released: RHP Greg Ross | RHP Jeremy Hellickson | RHP Taylor Hill | 1B Balbino Fuenmayor | 2B Angelo La Bruna | SS Reid Brignac | SS Tyler Beckwith | OF Alejandro De Aza | OF Juan Evangelista | OF Ryan Raburn | OF Santo Falcon
Added to 40-man roster: C Miguel Montero
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Austin Adams | C Pedro Severino | 3B Adrian Sanchez | SS Matt Reynolds | OF Andrew Stevenson