DFA Tracker: Ten players await fates

As teams look to clear 40-man roster space to add players from other organizations or the 60-day disabled list, the most common method of letting a player go has become "designating for assignment". With the flurry of 40-man action over the last couple weeks, ten players currently await learning whether they will be traded, released, claimed off waivers, or outrighted to the minors in the next ten days.

Michael Bowden (Cubs)

In order for the Cubs to add injured starter Matt Garza to the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated Michael Bowdenfor assignment on May 21st. A former Red Sox top pitching prospect, Bowden has appeared in fourteen games out of the Cubs' bullpen so far in 2013, posting a 3.78 ERA. He will learn of his fate by May 31st.

Robert Andino (Mariners)

Infielder Robert Andino was the Mariners' roster casualty on May 24th when the team promoted shortstop Carlos Triunfel from Triple-A. The 29-year old has hit only .184 in 29 games with Seattle so far this season after being acquired from Baltimore in an offseason trade for outfielder Trayvon Robinson. He will learn of his fate by June 3rd.

Ben Francisco (Yankees)

The Yankees finally answered the prayers of a discontent fanbase on May 26th, designating outfielder Ben Francisco for assignment. After signing him to a minor league deal in March, the Yankees have used Francisco at both corner outfield positions so far this season, and he has hit .114 with 1 HR and 1 RBI in 21 games. The 31-year old, who has appeared in the majors with six organizations since 2007, will learn his fate by June 5th.

Francisco Martinez (Mariners)

When the Mariners decided to promote infield prospect Nick Franklin on May 27th, minor leaguer Francisco Martinez was designated for assignment to create roster space. A key part of the 2011 Doug Fister trade with the Tigers, Martinez has been a bust in the Mariners' system, and is only hitting .206 at Double-A so far this year. At 22, he still has time to progress as a prospect, but will likely stay in the Mariners organization without occupying a 40-man roster space. He will learn of his fate by June 6th.

Edinson Rincon (Padres)

The Padres designated infielder Edinson Rincon for assignment on Tuesday, in a move that allows suspended catcher Yasmani Grandal to be activated off the restricted list. The 22-year old, who has not appeared in a game yet this season due to injury, has not gotten past Double-A in his career, and will learn of his fate by June 7th.

Ramon Ortiz (Blue Jays)

For the second time this season, the kings of the waiver wire designated Ramon Ortiz for assignment in order to clear 40-man roster space. The 40-year old veteran cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Buffalo in April, and has appeared in 23.1 innings for the Jays this year, posting a 5.01 ERA. He will learn of his fate by June 7th.

David Huff (Yankees)

An already difficult 2013 season for lefty David Huff got even more difficult on Tuesday, when the Yankees designated him for assignment to clear room for Joba Chamberlain, who is returning from injury. After being designated in March and clearing waivers, the 28-year old pitched for AAA Columbus before being recalled to the Indians and appearing out of the bullpen on three occasions. He was then designated again on May 23rd, and claimed by the Yankees over the weekend. He appeared in one inning for the Bronx Bombers before being designated again, and his future will be known by June 7th.

Clint Robinson (Blue Jays)

Another repeat DFA offender, Clint Robinson was designated for assignment along with Ortiz by the Blue Jays on Wednesday. After being claimed from the Pirates in March, Robinson has hit .270 in 47 games for Double-A New Hampshire so far this season, and will learn of his fate by June 8th

Nick Green (Marlins)

When the Marlins decided to call Ed Lucas up from Triple-A, infielder Nick Green was designated for assignment for a second time on the young season. The 34-year old journeyman has appeared in 18 games for the Marlins so far this season, and has hit .236 with 1 HR and 6 RBI. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A earlier this month, and will learn of his fate by June 8th.

Mark Lowe (Angels)

To make room for the return of ace Jered Weaver, the Angels designated reliever Mark Lowe for assignment on Wednesday. After being signed to a minor league deal by the team in March, the 29-year old has posted a 9.26 ERA in 11 appearances with the team, and will be replaced in the bullpen by Jerome Williams. He will learn of his fate by June 8th.