As the evening games on the East Coast get set to begin, let's take a quick look at some minor news and notes, including a scouting director heading to Chicago...

• The New York Yankees have released first baseman/designated hitter Russell Branyan today, according to Donnie Collins of the Scranton Times-Tribune. The Yankees signed Branyan to a minor league deal in the off-season. The 36-year-old is now a free agent and able to sign with any team.
• The New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Andrew Carpenter to a minor league deal, as reported by Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. Carpenter elected for free agency after declining his outright assignment from the Toronto Blue Jays. He will begin his journey back to the majors with Class Double-A Binghamton.
• The San Diego Padres director of scouting Jaron Madison is expected to leave the club and join his former boss, Jed Hoyer, with the Chicago Cubs in the same role, reports Darren Smith of XX1090 AM in San Diego.