Multiple veterans are now on rehab assignments, and the Tampa Bay Rays return a valuable bullpen arm. Here’s what to know about today’s MLB transactions.
August 17th MLB Transactions Update
Injuries
OF Richie Palacios has been recalled from Memphis (AAA). He will wear uniform #67.
INF Nolan Gorman (lower back strain) has been placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to August 14. pic.twitter.com/lID7SMMNfE
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 17, 2023
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. He is eligible to return on August 24th. This season, Gorman is slashing .241/.328/.487 with 24 home runs. Despite the Cardinals’ struggles this year, Gorman has been a bright spot, ranking fourth on the team with a 120 OPS+ (100 is the league average). Conversely, outfielder Richie Palacios has been recalled. He was traded from the Cleveland Guardians in June, and has hit .251 with eight home runs in the minor leagues this season across both organizations.
The New York Mets placed shortstop Mark Vientos on the 10-day IL with left wrist tendonitis. He’ll be eligible to return on August 26th since the move was retroactive to August 16. This year, Vientos has struggled in his first extended time in the big leagues, hitting just .195 with two home runs in 118 at-bats. In response, the Mets selected the contract of outfielder Abraham Almonte from Triple-A Syracuse. In parts of 10 big-league seasons, Almonte is a career .234 hitter.
The Tampa Bay Rays have activated reliever Andrew Kittredge from the 60-day IL after he underwent Tommy John surgery last June. Kittredge has been a valuable member of the Rays’ bullpen since 2018, posting more than 30 appearances in each full season since. In 2022, he had a 3.15 ERA in 20 appearances before his injury. As a result of this move, the Rays designated reliever Hector Perez for assignment. Perez made his Tampa Bay debut on Wednesday, giving up a run in 1/3 of an inning.
Rehab Assignments & Options
Brandon Marsh with a two-run double in his second AB of the day ? pic.twitter.com/VPN9YOqtqz
— Milb Central (@milb_central) August 17, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He is eligible to return to the majors at any time after being on the shelf since August 6th with a left knee contusion. This season, Marsh has hit .281 with eight home runs after being acquired by the Phillies at the 2022 trade deadline.
The Washington Nationals have sent two relievers on rehab assignments. Mason Thompson was sent to Double-A Harrisburg, where he is recovering from a left knee contusion. He is eligible to be activated at any time, having served the requisite ten days. He has a 4.56 ERA this season in 47 1/3 innings pitched. In addition, Carl Edwards Jr. was sent to High-A Wilmington to rehab his right shoulder inflammation. This is his second rehab assignment in August, and he previously spent time in the Florida Complex League. He was put on the IL on July 21st, so he is eligible to return at any time. This season, he has a 3.69 ERA in 32 appearances.
The Arizona Diamondbacks sent third baseman Evan Longoria on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno. Longoria has been shelved since July 29th with a lower back strain, so he is eligible to return as soon as he’s healthy. This year, Longoria has a .230 batting average and 11 home runs.
The Kansas City Royals have sent first baseman Nick Pratto on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Omaha. Pratto is eligible to return at any point from a left groin strain, which he sustained on July 27th. This year, Pratto has been a .238 hitter with only seven homers.
Contract Moves
The Colorado Rockies outrighted infielder Cole Tucker to Triple-A Albuquerque. This is different from an option, since Tucker will be removed from the 40-man roster. This year, Tucker went 3-for-7 in his only big-league action.
The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran reliever Richard Bleier to a minor-league deal. Bleier last pitched for the Boston Red Sox earlier this year, but was released on August 9th after posting a 5.28 ERA in 30 2/3 innings pitched. He has been assigned to Triple-A Iowa.
The Cincinnati Reds signed left-handed reliever Chasen Shreve to a minor league contract. Shreve opened the year with the Detroit Tigers, but was released earlier this week after being designated for assignment. In 2023, Shreve has a 4.79 ERA in 41 1/3 innings pitched at the MLB level. He’s been assigned to Triple-A Louisville.
Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
