Minor moves: Jesus Flores, Clay Rapada, Tommy Manzella

Rays sign Jesus Flores

The Tampa Bay Rays signed catcher Jesus Flores to a minor league deal, according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Tribune. The 28-year old, who was released by the Dodgers in May after hitting .164 with 7 RBI in 22 games for Triple-A Albuquerque, will report to Triple-A Durham. In 311 major league games with the Nationals from 2007 to 2012, Flores hit .241 with 23 HR and 127 RBI, and will head to Durham to provide depth at a weak position for the Rays.

Yankees release Clay Rapada

The New York Yankees have granted left-hander Clay Rapada his release, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. Rapada, who has pitched to a 1-0 record and 4.66 ERA in ten appearances out of the bullpen for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre so far this season, was released and re-signed by the Yankees after being designated for assignment in April. In six major league seasons with the Cubs (2007), Tigers (2007-2009), Rangers (2010), Orioles (2011), and Yankees (2012), Rapada is 8-0 with a 4.15 ERA in 148 appearances out of the bullpen. In 70 games for the Yankees in 2012, he was 3-0 with a 2.82 ERA.

Blue Jays sign Tommy Manzella

The Toronto Blue Jays signed shortstop Tommy Manzella to a minor league deal, according to the official MLB.com transactions page. The former Astro, who was recently released by the Rockies, will report to Double-A New Hampshire. In 32 games for Triple-A Colorado Springs this season, Manzella hit .190 with 10 RBI. He appeared in 90 games in the majors with Houston in 2009 and 2010, and posted a .224/1 HR/21 RBI line over those two seasons.

Indians sign Paddy Matera

The Cleveland Indians signed infielder Paddy Matera to a minor league contract, according to a tweet from the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League. Matera will report to High-A Carolina after posting a .297 average with 6 HR and 18 RBI in 40 games with Camden this season. The 25-year old has never played for an affiliated organization.

Rockies sign Ryan Buch

The Colorado Rockies signed right-hander Ryan Buch to a minor league deal and assigned him to Double-A Tulsa, according to the official MLB.com transactions page. The 25-year old former White Sox farmhand was released last week after posting a 5.31 ERA with High-A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham in eight appearances this season.

Orioles release Jose Gil

The Baltimore Orioles released catcher Jose Gil from Triple-A Norfolk, according to the International League's official transactions page. The 26-year old former Yankee prospect has only appeared in three games this season.