Neal Huntington has strongly implied that the Pittsburgh Pirates plan to pick up Chris Archer's $9 million team option for next season.

Archer is currently on the injured list with inflammation in his throwing shoulder.

"There's a lot to like with Chris Archer. We want to make sure that we do the right thing by him," Huntington said.  "We don't want him to feel like he has to come back out to earn his spot. We see some really positive signs. We recognize the issues and challenges, but we see some really positive signs and expect Chris is going to be a really good major league pitcher again next year."

The Pirates acquired Archer in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2018 deadline. In 172 innings with Pittsburgh, he has a 4.92 ERA and 10.6 K/9.

The Braves have strengthened their catching depth by signing Francisco Cervelli, who was released by the Pirates on Thursday.

Cervelli was added to Atlanta’s roster before Saturday night’s game against the Mets at Citi Field. The Braves optioned catcher Alex Jackson to Triple-A Gwinnett and created a 40-man roster spot by transferring left-handed pitcher Grant Dayton to the 60-day disabled list.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have requested unconditional release waivers on Francisco Cervelli, who is working his way back from another concussion and is hoping to catch on with a contender.

The catcher hasn't played since May 25.

Cervelli is in the final season of a three-year, $31 million contract.

The Chicago White Sox don't plan to offer Jose Abreu a contract extension this season.

The two sides have long been open about their desire to remain together, so it's possible they'll agree on a new deal this winter.

Abreu is on the verge of ending a six-year, $68 million contract signed out of Cuba in October 2013.

Ivan Nova has pitched well as of late and is open to re-signing with the Chicago White Sox.

It remains to be seen if the White Sox want to bring the 32-year-old back.

Nova is in the final year of a three-year, $26 million deal.

The Atlanta Braves have signed Adeiny Hechavarria to help fill the void at shortstop with Dansby Swanson still on the injured list.

The 30-year-old agreed to a one-year, prorated contract. The Braves are his sixth team in three years.

Hechavarria made his debut on Friday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Swanson, Atlanta's shortstop, has missed 22 games because of a right foot contusion and still has no immediate timetable for a rehab assignment.

The Texas Rangers and Mike Minor both have interest in a contract extension.

According to a report, "preliminary extension talks" have already taken place between the two sides with things expected to intensify after the season.

Minor is signed through the 2020 season. He inked a three-year, $28 million deal prior to the 2018 season.

The Oakland Athletics have agreed to a Minor League deal with Matt Harvey, according to reports.

The Los Angeles Angels designated Harvey for assignment last month. He signed a one-year, $11 million with the club before the season.

Harvey had a 7.09 ERA in 12 starts for the Angels.

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a Minor League contract with Greg Holland.

The 33-year-old reliever was recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He will be paid the balance of his $3.25 million salary by the Diamondbacks.

Holland has a 4.54 ERA and 17 saves in 40 appearances this season.

The New York Mets have agreed to terms on a deal with Joe Panik.

Panik was waived by the San Francisco Giants after they acquired Scooter Gennett at the trade deadline.

He'll likely help cover the absence of Robinson Cano at second base.