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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Orioles select the contract of LHP Ashur Tolliver from Double-A Bowie

Orioles Press Release.

The Orioles today announced that they have selected the contract of LHP Ashur Tolliver from Double-A Bowie.
 
Tolliver, 28, went 1-1 with a 2.42 ERA (7 ER/26.0 IP), two saves, and 25 strikeouts in 18 games with the Baysox this season, including holding left-handed hitters to a .212 batting average (7-for-33). Originally selected by the Orioles in the fifth round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, he went 9-9 with a 3.12 ERA (92 ER/265.2 IP), seven saves, and 253 strikeouts over 155 career minor league games (four starts). Tolliver's first appearance with the Orioles will be his Major League debut. He will wear No. 40.

Orioles acquire RHP Brandon Barker and LHP Trevor Belicek from the Atlanta Braves for LHP Brian Matusz

Orioles Press Release.

The Orioles tonight announced that they have acquired minor leaguers RHP BRANDON BARKER and LHP TREVOR BELICEK from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for LHP BRIAN MATUSZ and a Competitive Balance Round B pick (76thoverall) in the 2016 First-Year Player Draft.

Barker, 23, went 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA (10 ER/45.0 IP) and 40 strikeouts in nine games (eight starts) with Double-A Mississippi this season. In 50 career minor league games (40 starts), Barker has gone 20-14 with a 3.08 ERA (78 ER/228.0 IP). He was named the Carolina Mudcats Pitcher of the Year by the Braves in 2015 after going 8-5 with a 3.00 ERA (32 ER/96.0 IP) in 17 starts with Class A-Advanced Carolina. Barker was originally selected by the Braves in the 16thround of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.

Belicek, 23, has gone 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA (7 ER/28.1 IP), while walking one and striking out 32 in 12 games between Class-A Rome and Double-A Mississippi this season. He led all Atlanta minor league starting pitchers with a 2.53 ERA (16 ER/57.0 IP) in 2015 between Class-A Danville and Class-A Rome. In 26 career minor league games (nine starts), Belicek has gone 8-0 with a 2.43 ERA (23 ER/85.1 IP), 13 walks, and 73 strikeouts. He was originally selected by the Braves in the 16th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft.

Matusz, 29, pitched to a 12.00 ERA (8 ER/6.0 IP) in seven games with the Orioles this season. Over 279 career Major League games (68 starts), Matusz went 27-41 with a 4.85 ERA (283 ER/525.2 IP) and 460 strikeouts. He was originally selected by the Orioles in the first round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

Rays RHP Boxberger to make rehab start with Double-A Biscuits

MONTGOMERY, AL - Tampa Bay Rays RHP Brad Boxberger will make a rehab start during the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits' six-game home series against the Jackson Generals that begins today.

“It’s something we don’t have very often around here,” Biscuits manager Brady Williams said. “The majority of rehab assignments (with the Rays) go to (high-Class A) Charlotte, but we’re happy to have him here."

Boxberger finished with a 5-2 record with a 2.37 ERA and 104 strikeouts with the Rays in 2014. Boxberger led the American League with 41 saves in 2015, along with a 3.71 ERA with 74 strikeouts.

Boxberger, an American League All-Star in 2015, is scheduled to pitch in today’s 7:05 p.m. series opener.

MLB Transactions from May 24, 2016

Toronto Blue Jays activated RHP Jesse Chavez.
Cincinnati Reds sent Steve Delabar outright to Louisville Bats.
Minnesota Twins signed free agent LHP Sean Burnett to a minor league contract.
Miami Marlins designated LHP Tim Berry for assignment.
Miami Marlins optioned Asher Wojciechowski to Jupiter Hammerheads.
Miami Marlins claimed RHP Asher Wojciechowski off waivers from Houston Astros.
Colorado Rockies activated LHP Jorge De La Rosa from the 15-day disabled list.
Colorado Rockies optioned Jordan Lyles to Albuquerque Isotopes.
Cincinnati Reds optioned RF Steve Selsky to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds selected the contract of Daniel Wright from Louisville Bats.
San Francisco Giants placed LF Angel Pagan on the 15-day disabled list. Left Hamstring Strain
San Francisco Giants recalled Jarrett Parker from Sacramento River Cats.
San Diego Padres optioned Kevin Quackenbush to El Paso Chihuahuas.
San Diego Padres activated RHP Andrew Cashner from the 15-day disabled list.
Los Angeles Dodgers sent OF Scott Van Slyke on a rehab assignment to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Baltimore Orioles selected the contract of Ashur Tolliver from Bowie Baysox.
Houston Astros sent OF Carlos Gomez on a rehab assignment to Corpus Christi Hooks.
Los Angeles Angels sent A.J. Achter outright to Salt Lake Bees.
Cleveland Indians optioned Cody Anderson to Columbus Clippers.
New York Yankees optioned Layne Somsen to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
New York Yankees claimed RHP Layne Somsen off waivers from Cincinnati Reds.
Pittsburgh Pirates placed RHP Ryan Vogelsong on the 15-day disabled list. facial fractures
Pittsburgh Pirates recalled A.J. Schugel from Indianapolis Indians.
Boston Red Sox sent LHP Eduardo Rodriguez on a rehab assignment to Pawtucket Red Sox.
Miami Marlins sent LHP Mike Dunn on a rehab assignment to Jupiter Hammerheads.
New York Mets sent 2B Wilmer Flores on a rehab assignment to Binghamton Mets.
New York Yankees sent DH Alex Rodriguez on a rehab assignment to Trenton Thunder.
Los Angeles Angels sent Al Alburquerque outright to Salt Lake Bees.
Cincinnati Reds traded RHP Franderlin Romero to Baltimore Orioles for Future Considerations.
Chicago White Sox optioned RHP Erik Johnson to Charlotte Knights.

Baseball Capsules (May 25, 2016)

NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time since the second week of the season, the New York Yankees are back at .500.

A resurgent Nathan Eovaldi combined with his bullpen on a two-hitter to win his fifth straight decision, and the Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-0 Tuesday night to extend their winning streak to six games.

Carlos Beltran homered off knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (2-6) and drove in New York's first two runs. The Yankees (22-22) won for the 13th time in 18 games and evened their record for the first time since they were 4-4 on the morning of April 15.

Eovaldi (5-2) improved to 5-0 with a 2.92 ERA in his last six starts and has allowed one run and three hits over 12 innings in his last two outings. He gave up two hits over six-plus innings in this one.

Dickey gave up four runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings to drop to 1-6 in nine appearances since winning his opener at Tampa Bay.

ASTROS 3, ORIOLES 2, 13 INNINGS

HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Correa's RBI single in the 13th inning lifted Houston past Baltimore.

Rookie Tony Kemp hit his first career triple off Dylan Bundy (0-1) with no outs to start the 13th. The Orioles then intentionally walked George Springer and Jose Altuve to bring last year's rookie of the year Correa to the plate.

Correa snapped an 0-for-15 skid with a single into shallow center that scored Kemp and ended a four-game losing streak for the Astros.

Michael Feliz (2-1) struck out the side in the 13th for the win.

Pedro Alvarez and Manny Machado hit solo home runs for the Orioles. Luis Valbuena had a two-run homer for Houston in the fifth.

RAYS 4, MARLINS 3

MIAMI (AP) — Jake Odorizzi allowed two hits in five shutout innings, Hank Conger hit a two-run single and Tampa Bay held on to beat Miami.

Odorizzi (2-2) struck out seven and walked three, plus delivered an RBI single for his first career hit. Logan Morrison had three hits and Brad Miller had two hits and two stolen bases for the Rays, who ended a three-game slide.

Giancarlo Stanton hit his 12th home run for Miami, snapping a 6-for-57 drought. Marcell Ozuna doubled twice and reached for the 31st consecutive game, while Justin Bour and Derek Dietrich added two hits for Miami.

Alex Colome got a two-inning save for the Rays, his 12th of the season.

Marlins starter Tom Koehler (2-5) allowed six hits and three runs in five innings, striking out six but walking five.

INDIANS 6, WHITE SOX 2

CHICAGO (AP) — Josh Tomlin beat Chris Sale in a one-sided matchup of unbeaten pitchers and Francisco Lindor had three hits to lead Cleveland.

Tomlin pitched eight innings of two-run ball to become the first Indians starter to reach 7-0 since Dennis Martinez won his first nine decisions in 1995. Sale (9-1) was knocked out in the fourth, ending his bid to become the first pitcher to win his first 10 starts in a season since Andy Hawkins for San Diego in 1985.

It was baseball's first matchup of 6-0 or better pitchers since 1988, and only the fourth time in major league history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Chris Gimenez homered for Cleveland, which had lost three in a row before Monday's 5-1 victory at Chicago in the second game of a doubleheader. Jose Ramirez walked twice and scored twice, and Mike Napoli drove in two runs.

TIGERS 3, PHILLIES 1

DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 10 in eight scoreless innings, and Francisco Rodriguez held on for his 400th save as Detroit beat Philadelphia.

Miguel Cabrera drove in two runs for Detroit. Since losing 11 of 12 earlier this month, the Tigers have now won eight of nine.

Verlander (4-4) has allowed only four runs over his last four starts. He gave up three hits and two walks in a 108-pitch effort Tuesday.

Cabrera hit an RBI double in the first and a run-scoring groundout in the sixth. Rodriguez allowed a run in the ninth but closed the game out for his 14th save in 15 chances this year. He is the sixth pitcher to reach 400 career saves.

Jeremy Hellickson (4-3) allowed three runs and seven hits in seven innings. He walked one and struck out seven.

RANGERS 4, ANGELS 1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Martin Perez finally got a win after another strong May start and rookie Nomar Mazara homered in his home park for the first time, leading Texas past Los Angeles.

Perez (2-4) was winless for the month despite a 2.59 ERA in four starts coming in, and the left-hander dropped that number to 2.08 with six strikeouts in six shutout innings.

Mazara pulled his seventh homer into the upper deck in right field off Jhoulys Chacin (0-1) in the sixth inning. Mazara had three hits and reached base all four times.

The 21-year-old's two-run shot put Texas ahead 3-0 after Perez escaped the top of the sixth by getting through the middle of the order after putting runners at first and third with no outs.

NATIONALS 7, METS 4

WASHINGTON (AP) — Steven Strasburg remained unbeaten with an 11-strikeout performance, and Washington hit three of their season-high five home runs off struggling New York Mets starter Matt Harvey.

Strasburg (8-0) gave up two runs and four hits over 6 2/3 innings in defeating Harvey and the Mets for the second time in six days. Strasburg has five games this season with at least 10 strikeouts and 26 over his seven-year career.

Harvey (3-7) stumbled through a third straight ineffective start, allowing five runs and eight hits over five rocky innings. The right-hander has yielded 16 earned runs and 31 hits over his last three outings.

Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon hit successive solo shots to put Washington ahead in the fourth inning, and Daniel Murphy added a two-run drive off his former teammate in the fifth for a 5-1 lead.

RED SOX 8, ROCKIES 3

BOSTON (AP) — David Price scattered five hits over seven innings and Jackie Bradley Jr. had two hits to extend his streak to 28 games in Boston's win over Colorado.

David Ortiz had a two-run double and a two-run single, and Dustin Pedroia added three hits to help Boston win its third straight game. Price (7-1) allowed three runs, walking one and striking out six to earn his third consecutive win.

Colorado lost for the fifth time in six games.

Jorge De La Rosa (1-4) made his first start after spending almost a month on the disabled list with a left groin strain. He gave up two runs in the first, two more in the second and left with one out in the fourth with two on and one run already in.

BREWERS 2, BRAVES 1

ATLANTA (AP) — Scooter Gennett's tiebreaking single in the eighth inning helped Milwaukee spoil Brian Snitker's home debut as Atlanta's interim manager.

With two outs in the eighth, Bud Norris (1-6) walked Jonathan Villar, who stole second base. Gennett then lined a single to right field. Villar scored as Nick Markakis' throw to the plate from right field was up the third-base line.

Ryan Braun's eighth homer gave the Brewers a 1-0 lead in the fourth.

Atlanta's Julio Teheran set a personal high with 12 strikeouts while allowing one run in seven innings.

Michael Blazek (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh. Jeremy Jeffress recorded the final three outs to earn his 12th save.

ROYALS 7, TWINS 4

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer, Lorenzo Cain had four hits and two RBIs, and Kansas City picked up where its bats left off the night before.

Wade Davis worked a wobbly ninth inning for his 12th save in 13 attempts, preserving the seventh win for the Royals in their last nine contests. They raised their two-game total in Minnesota this week to 30 hits and improved to 5-0 against the Twins this season.

After going 5 for 5 in the series opener, missing the cycle by a home run, Perez went deep just one day and a couple of innings too late. The three-time All-Star catcher followed a leadoff walk by Kendrys Morales in the second inning with a soaring drive off his 2013 teammate Ervin Santana.

That was all Edinson Volquez (5-4) needed to pick up his fifth victory, matching the cumulative total for Twins starters this season.

Santana (1-3) lasted only 3 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits, six runs and two walks.

MARINERS 6, ATHLETICS 5

SEATTLE (AP) — Leonys Martin hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the ninth inning to rally Seattle past Oakland.

The Mariners trailed 5-2 after seven innings but got a two-run homer from Robinson Cano in the eighth inning.

Oakland closer Ryan Madson (2-1) came on in the ninth and got two quick outs before Norichika Aoki punched a double down the left-field line.

Martin then drove a 1-2 pitch deep over the wall in right-center for his ninth home run.

Oakland erased a 2-1 deficit in the sixth, jumping on the Mariners bullpen to complete a four-run rally capped by Coco Crisp's bases-loaded double.

Mike Montgomery (2-0) threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings.

GIANTS 8, PADRES 2

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Brandon Crawford drove in four runs and Jarrett Parker homered to lead Jeff Samardzija and streaking San Francisco past San Diego.

Buster Posey and Denard Span each knocked in a run for the Giants, who have won four straight and 12 of 13.

John Jay homered for the Padres, who lost their third in a row and fell to 0-8 against the Giants this season. Hector Sanchez also drove in a run.

Samardzija (7-2) has won three consecutive decisions and six of seven after giving up a run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked three.

Andrew Cashner (2-4) came off the disabled list and gave the Padres a six-inning start. He allowed three runs and four hits, walked four and struck out one.

DODGERS 8, REDS 2

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Joc Pederson doubled in the tying run and then scored the go-ahead run on a throwing error in the fourth inning, helping Los Angeles hand Cincinnati its season-high ninth straight loss.

The Dodgers' eight-game winning streak against the Reds is their longest active run against any opponent and their most since beating the Reds nine straight times in 2008-09.

Mike Bolsinger (1-1) allowed two runs and three hits in 5 2/3 innings of a spot start, having been brought back from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday in place of injured Chin-hui Tsao, who went on the 15-day disabled list. Bolsinger struck out six and walked one.

Daniel Wright (0-1) made his major league debut, giving up four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

CUBS 12, CARDINALS 3

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jason Hammel pitched 7 1/3 stingy innings and had a two-run double in Chicago's six-run first as the Cubs went on to rout St. Louis.

Michael Wacha (2-5) gave up a career-worst eight runs in four innings and has lost five consecutive decisions for the first time. The 24-year-old right-hander was a 17-game winner last season and the NL championship series MVP as a rookie in 2013, but this season has a 5.04 ERA.

Jorge Soler drew a bases-loaded walk in the first and hit a two-run home run in the fifth.

The six-run inning was a season-best for the NL Central leaders, who snapped their first three-game losing streak of the season.

Hammel (6-1) bounced back from his first loss in his previous start.

PIRATES 12, DIAMONDBACKS 1

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Gregory Polanco hit a three-run homer and drove in a career-best five runs as Pittsburgh rolled past Arizona.

Polanco's shot to the concourse in right-center field off Shelby Miller (1-6) in the first inning gave Pittsburgh an early boost. Francisco Liriano (4-3) scattered two hits in 5 2/3 innings and added an RBI single as the Pirates improved to 6-2 during a 10-game homestand.

After a short adjustment period, Polanco has thrived batting third in the lineup, hitting .317 (20 of 63) with three home runs and 13 RBIs in 15 games. The Pirates spread their 17 hits among 11 batters.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Yankees acquire RHP Layne Somsen off waivers from Cincinnati

Yankees Press Release.

Today the Yankees claimed RHP Layne Somsen off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
 
Somsen, 26, made his Major League debut with Cincinnati this season and appeared in two games, tossing 1.0 scoreless inning on 5/14/16 at Philadelphia (1H) and allowing 5ER in 1.1IP on 5/16/16 at Cleveland. He also attended Major League spring training for the first time this year, tallying one save and a 4.15 ERA (8.2IP, 6H, 4ER, 6BB, 7K) in 7G with the Reds.
 
The South Dakota native also made 10 appearances with Triple-A Louisville in 2016, posting a 1.89 ERA (19.0IP, 10H, 4ER, 7BB, 19K, 2HR, .154 opp. BA) without any decisions. In 86G (incl. 7GS) over parts of four minor league seasons, he owns a 9-5 career record with a 2.50 ERA (183.2IP, 138H, 51ER, 72BB, 183K, 11HR, .210 opp. BA).
 
Somsen was selected by the Reds in the 22nd round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. He played baseball at South Dakota State University and graduated from Yankton (S.D.) High School.
 
The Yankees' 40-man roster now stands at 40.

MLB Transactions from May 23, 2016

Baltimore Orioles traded LHP Brian Matusz to Atlanta Braves for RHP Brandon Barker and LHP Trevor Belicek.
Chicago White Sox recalled RHP Erik Johnson from Charlotte Knights.
Chicago White Sox optioned 3B Carlos Sanchez to Charlotte Knights.
Texas Rangers designated 3B Patrick Kivlehan for assignment.
Texas Rangers placed CF Drew Stubbs on the 15-day disabled list. Sprained left little toe.
Texas Rangers recalled Joey Gallo from Round Rock Express.
Kansas City Royals recalled Cheslor Cuthbert from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals placed LF Alex Gordon on the 15-day disabled list. Scaphoid Fracture in Right Wrist
Los Angeles Dodgers placed RHP Chin-hui Tsao on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 22, 2016. Right triceps strain.
Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Ross Stripling to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Luis Avilan from Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Mike Bolsinger from Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Los Angeles Angels sent Danny Reynolds outright to Arkansas Travelers.
San Diego Padres recalled Keith Hessler from El Paso Chihuahuas.San Diego Padres optioned Colin Rea to El Paso Chihuahuas.
Atlanta Braves optioned Manny Banuelos to Gwinnett Braves.
Atlanta Braves activated LHP Manny Banuelos from the 15-day disabled list.
Texas Rangers placed RF Shin-Soo Choo on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 21, 2016. Left hamstring strain.
Texas Rangers selected the contract of CF Jared Hoying from Round Rock Express.
New York Mets designated LHP Dario Alvarez for assignment.New York Mets selected the contract of LF Ty Kelly from Las Vegas 51s.
New York Mets placed 1B Lucas Duda on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 21, 2016. Stress fracture of the lower back