The Los Angeles Dodgers announced this week that they have signed Japanese right-hander Takumi Numata.

The 19-year-old is somewhat of an unknown in Major League Baseball circles.

"At 6-1, 188 pounds, it doesn't sound like there's that much physical projection to look for. His fastball sits in the upper 80s to low 90s ... topping out at 92 mph. He goes right after hitters with it and largely pitches off of his fastball, though he also has a slider," writes Jonathan Mayo.

The New York Yankees are prepared to add Mike Zagurski to their bullpen.

The left-hander opted out of his contract with the Oakland Athletics last week.

The San Diego Padres have signed Will Venable to a two-year contract extension through 2015.

Venable will make $4.25 million in each of the next two seasons.

The outfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough 2013 season, batting .273 with team highs of 20 home runs, 49 RBIs and 55 runs scored.

The New York Mets have signed Cory Wade and sent him to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Wade went a combined 4-3 with a 3.56 ERA in 40 appearances in Triple-A for the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays affiliates this season.