AL East: Rays designate Plouffe for assignment

The Rays have designated the versatile first and third baseman Trevor Plouffe for assignment. Plouffe made his way to the East Coast by way of the Athletics this June, with Oakland pocketing some cash for the veteran infielder. The Rays also received $2M from Oakland to cover the remaining $3M left on the former first round draft pick’s salary for the year.

The former Twins stronghold was slashing a measly .178/.268/.247 with one home run and 25 strikeouts for Tampa. While his calling card was hitting lefties, Tampa has chosen to explore other options, such as the freshly acquired Cesar Puello.

To fill his roster spot, Tampa Bay has activated Alex Cobb to start today. The 31-year old Plouffe is eligible for free agency at the end of this season.

Here’s what other trade rumors and new are floating around the American League East:

• Joe Biagini pitched seven innings in his fourth Triple-A start, so that’s promising.
• Orioles closer Zach Britton is getting an MRI on his knee.
• The Yankees are finally playing to their strength.
• The Red Sox have acquired Rajai Davis from Oakland.
• Let take a moment to explore normalized spin rates.
• The Orioles starting rotation that could have been.
• Here’s a cool jersey alert: the Vancouver Canadians wore Expos-styled jerseys for Tim Raines Night.
• Ronald Torreyes is one of the most aggressive players in the league.
• The Red Sox have placed Jackie Bradley Jr. on the 10-day disabled list and recalled Deven Marrero for support.
• Rays players offer suggestions on how to “improve” baseball.
• What’s up with the Red Sox usage of Fernando Abad?
• Can and should the Yankees make a waiver wire trade?
• Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but don’t expect the Orioles to make major additions in the offseason.