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Rockies DFA Nelson
Chris Nelson began the year as the Colorado Rockies' starting third baseman, but was essentially keeping the position warm until the felt that top prospect Nolan Arenado was ready to take over. Well, that time has come. The Rockies DFA-ed Nelson prior to Sunday's game and called up Arenado, reports Thomas Harding of MLB.com.
Nelson, 27, has been a reserve infielder for the Rockies for the last four seasons, splitting time between third base, second base, and shortstop. The former first-round pick played a career-high 111 games for Colorado last season -- and hit a career-best .301/.352/.458 with nine home runs in 377 plate appearances -- but was off to a poor start this year and owns a career OPS of just .738.
Phillies DFA Quintero
The Philadelphia Phillies designated reserve catcher Humberto Quintero for assignment on Sunday to make room for the reinstated Carlos Ruiz, reports Matt Gelb of the Philly Inquirer.
Quintero, 33, was acquired by the Phillies as a stopgap behind the plate until Ruiz returned from his 25-game suspension, so his DFA comes as really no surprise. If the veteran backstop clears waivers, he has already agreed to accept his assignment to Triple-A.
Playing second string to Erik Kratz, Quintero managed five hits in 21 plate appearances over seven games.
Laffey elects free agency
The Toronto Blue Jays parted ways with yet another waiver claim over the weekend, DFA-ing left-hander Aaron Laffey after his Friday spot start, reports Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com.
Rather than accept an outright minor-leage assignment from the club, Laffey has elected free agency, the team has announced.
Picked up on the waiver wire from the Mets last Tuesday, Laffey was called on to start in place of the injured Josh Johnson against the Yankees on Friday night. The left-hander didn't help his cause much, giving up two runs and walking five in just 2⅔ innings, and was promptly sent packing after the game.
The Jays recalled right-hander Justin Germano to take Laffey's roster spot and help out in the bullpen.
