RealGM Baseball Wiretap

Tigers Still 'Looking Hard' For Bullpen Help

Jose Valverde has helped, but the Detroit Tigers are still "looking hard" for bullpen help, according to a source.

Detroit made another bullpen move on Thursday, demoting middle reliever Al Alburquerque.

The Tigers originally hoped that rookie Bruce Rondon would prove ready to close, but Rondon had a rough spring and opened the season in the minor leagues.

Via Danny Knobler/CBS Sports

Detroit Tigers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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If White Sox Hold Firesale, Sale Might Be Only Untouchable

If the Chicago White Sox don't turn things around, there is a decent chance they'll sell off some of their parts to restock the farm system.

Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago believes that if Chicago does hold a firesale, Chris Sale and perhaps Jake Peavy would be the only untouchables.

 

 

 

 

 

Via Dan Hayes/CSN Chicago

Chicago White Sox, Misc Rumor, Trade Rumor

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No Rumblings Of Extension Between Indians, Reynolds

Mark Reynolds signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians this offseason and has helped them become one of the most power-heavy teams in baseball.

He is hitting .271/.362/.581 with 11 home runs and 34 RBI in 38 games.

"This could wind up being a big platform season for Reynolds," writes Jordan Bastian. "That said, there is no denying what he has brought both to the lineup and clubhouse. Cleveland doesn't have a blanket policy on in-season negotiations, but there haven't been any rumblings yet of extension talks."

Via Jordan Bastian/MLB.com

Cleveland Indians, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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K-Rod Picked Brewers Over Other Major League Options

Francisco Rodriguez, who signed a minor league deal with the Brewers in April, was activated on Thursday night.

Rodriguez said he had other options this spring, including an immediate Major League deal, but he liked Milwaukee.

"There were a few teams out there, but I was waiting for the right opportunity," Rodriguez said. "I had a few options I could have taken to be at the big league level right away, but I wasn't ready physically to make that commitment.

"I like the ballclub. I really do feel comfortable here. I could've gone elsewhere and taken a big league job. But I didn't. I was just waiting for the right moment. It came and we got it done."

Via Jonathan Mayo/MLB.com

Milwaukee Brewers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Hamilton: Allergy Issues Aren't Drug-Related

Josh Hamilton says that doctors have told him his allergy issues haven't been caused by past drug use, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Hamilton has been sick with sinus congestion that makes him prone to dizziness and sensitive to the lights at major league stadiums.

"You have a hallway up the middle of your nose and sinus cavities on each side," Hamilton said. "When you breathe air, it goes up and down the hallway.

"Same thing when you do drugs, it goes up the hallway, not into the sinus cavities. I told the doctor I had never had allergies before I started doing any of that stuff, but he said [drug use] has nothing to do with it."

Via ESPN

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Injury

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Pettitte Leaves With Trapezius Tightness

Andy Pettitte left Thursday night's start against the Seattle Mariners in the fifth inning because of tightness in his left trapezius muscle, which is located in the upper shoulder/back area.

Afterward, Pettitte said his trap muscle wasn't tight anymore and he wasn't hurting.

He isn't sure if he'll have to miss his next scheduled start, on May 21 at Baltimore. The team doctor told Pettitte he believes it was just a spasm.

"I'm realistic, I know how these guys are. I asked them if I could stay out there and try to get through it," Pettitte said. "I'm hoping it's a spasm and it settles down. I know my back didn't loosen up [on the mound]. I can't tell you I've had this before; I haven't. But I don't feel it tight right now. I feel like it's loosened up and relaxed. I would think that's a good sign."

Via Matt Ehalt/ESPN

New York Yankees, Injury

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Verlander Has Shortest Outing Since 2010

Justin Verlander lasted less than three innings against the Texas Rangers on Thursday night, giving up six hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.

It marked his shortest outing for the Detroit Tigers since pitching two innings in a 14-6 loss to the New York Mets on June 22, 2010.

Verlander had allowed just four earned runs in four previous starts at Rangers Ballpark.

Via Associated Press

Detroit Tigers, Game Recap, Stats

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M's Scratch Harang Due To Back Stiffness

Mariners right-hander Aaron Harang has been scratched from his scheduled start Thursday night against the Yankees because of lower back stiffness, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Mariners say Hector Noesi will start in Harang's place at Yankee Stadium.

Via ESPN.com

Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Injury, Misc Rumor

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Venters Has Second Tommy John Surgery

Braves reliever Jonny Venters has undergone the second major elbow operation of his career and will miss the rest of the season, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Braves say the left-hander had Tommy John surgery Thursday to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.

Via ESPN.com

Atlanta Braves, Injury

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Rays Place Price On 15-Day DL

The Rays on Thursday placed reigning AL Cy Young Award winner David Price on the 15-day disabled list with a left triceps strain, according to an ESPN.com report.

Via ESPN.com

Tampa Bay Rays, Injury

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