Nationals sign Kelly Shoppach to minor league deal
The Washington Nationals announced that they have signed catcher Kelly Shoppach and assigned him to Triple-A Syracuse. The 33-year old hit .196 with 3 HR and 9 RBI on the season with the Seattle Mariners before being designated for assignment on June 14th and released six days later. He will take over starting catching duties for Syracuse and serve as depth for major league catchers Kurt Suzuki, Jhonathan Solano, and Wilson Ramos.
Jon Rauch opts out of Orioles contract
Right-handed pitcher Jon Rauch is now a free agent after opting out of his minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, according to Rich Dubroff of CSN Baltimore. The 6'11" reliever has pitched to a 2.89 ERA for Triple-A Norfolk in 9.1 innings since signing a minor league deal with the Orioles on June 1st, and will now seek a major league job elsewhere. Rauch joined the Orioles after being released by the Miami Marlins on May 22nd. In 15 appearances with Miami to begin the season, he was 1-2 with a 7.56 ERA in 16.2 innings of work.
Twins sign Jermaine Mitchell to minor league deal, release Danny Lehmann
The Minnesota Twins signed outfielder Jermaine Mitchell to a minor league deal and assigned him to Triple-A Rochester, in a move first reported by Jeremy Nygaard of TwinsDaily.com. Mitchell, a former Athletics' prospect, was released by the Phillies yesterday. The 28-year old hit .256 with 5 HR and 18 RBI in 63 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and has spent parts of the last four seasons at the Triple-A level.
To make room for Mitchell, the Twins released catcher Danny Lehmann. The 27-year old, who has spent his entire career in the Twins organization, hit .262 with 1 HR and 5 RBI in 18 games between Double-A New Britain and Rochester on the season.
Royals release Chad Tracy
The Kansas City Royals released first baseman Chad S. Tracy, according to the Pacific Coast League's official transactions page. Tracy, who is not to be confused with his namesake who plays for the Nationals, hit .187 with 4 HR and 18 RBI in 44 games with Triple-A Omaha.
Red Sox outright Clayton Mortensen to Triple-A
The Boston Red Sox outrighted pitcher Clayton Mortensen to Triple-A Pawtucket after he cleared waivers, acccording to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The 28-year old righty was designated for assignment over the weekend to make room for the newly-recalled Jonathan Diaz. In 24 appearances with the Sox on the year, Mortensen is 1-2 with a 5.34 ERA.
Cubs designate Shawn Camp for assignment
The Chicago Cubs designated right-hander Shawn Camp for assignment to make room for newly-acquired pitchers Matt Guerrier and Pedro Strop, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. Camp, a 10-year major league veteran, is 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA in 26 relief appearances this season. He will be traded, released, claimed off waivers or outrighted to the minors in the next ten days.
Marlins designate Miguel Olivo for assignment
The Miami Marlins designated catcher Miguel Olivo for assignment after reinstating him from the restricted list, the team announced. The 34-year old veteran, who hit .203 with 4 HR and 9 RBI in 33 games this season, quit the team recently after being upset over his lack of playing time. He then asked for his release, and was finally designated for assignment today. Like Camp, he will learn of his fate in the next ten days.