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When a team needs to clear 40-man roster space, the most common way to do so is by designating a player for assignment. After a player is designated, they will be claimed off waivers, traded, released, or outrighted to the minors within ten days. Here's a recap of today's players who were designated for assignment:
Twins DFA Tyler Robertson, promote Clete Thomas
The Minnesota Twins announced that they have designated left-handed pitcher Tyler Robertson for assignment and selected the contract of outfielder Clete Thomas from Triple-A Rochester. Robertson, the Twins' third round pick in 2006, spent a good portion of the 2012 season in Minnesota's major league bullpen, and was 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA in 40 appearances. Other than two April appearances in the bigs this season, Robertson has spent the first two months of the season with Rochester, posting a 2-0 record and 3.05 ERA in 21 relief appearances. At 25, Robertson is young enough to potentially warrant getting a chance for another team, so a waiver claim would not be a surprise after his strong performance in the minors this season.
Marlins DFA Wade LeBlanc, activate Kotchman
The Miami Marlins designated lefty Wade LeBlanc for assignment, in a move that was first reported by Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. In addition, the team activated first baseman Casey Kotchman from the 60-day disabled list, promoted lefty Edgar Olmos from Double-A Jacksonville, and optioned outfielder Jordan Brown to Triple-A New Orleans. LeBlanc has appeared in thirteen games for the Marlins so far this season, and is 1-5 with a 5.18 ERA and 1.603 WHIP. The former Padre has a career 20-32 record and 4.47 ERA in 92 major league games (68 starts), and will learn of his fate within the next ten days.
White Sox DFA Greene, activate Beckham
The Chicago White Sox designated infielder Tyler Greene for assignment and activated Gordon Beckham from the 15-day disabled list, the team announced today after Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com reported the move yesterday. Greene, who was signed to a minor league deal in April following his release from the Astros, hit .222 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in 22 games at second base for Chicago this season. In 288 career games over five seasons with the Cardinals (2009-2012), Astros (2012), and White Sox (2013), Greene has a .224/17 HR/64 RBI slash line. He may be claimed off waivers by a team looking for infield depth.
In addition to Robertson, LeBlanc, and Greene, five other players remain awaiting their fates after being designated for assignment: Ben Francisco of the Yankees, Edinson Rincon of the Padres, Mark Lowe of the Angels, Vinnie Catricala of the Mariners, and Quintin Berry of the Tigers. Two cases were resolved today, as the Braves traded infielder Juan Francisco to the Brewers, and the Cubs outrighted pitcher Alex Burnett to Triple-A Iowa.