The Orioles on Friday claimed righthander Greg Aquino off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Aquino, 29, appeared in 15 games with the Brewers last season, posting an 0-1 record with a 4.50 ERA.

Ryan Houston could get to wear his name on the front and back of his jersey next season. The Astros on Wednesday claimed Houston off waivers from the Blue Jays. If the righthander is to make an appearance in a Houston jersey, he will first have to crack the Astros' 25-man roster.

Carl Pavano spoke to Brian Cashman on Friday at the Stadium and said he is going to accept a minor-league assignment after the Yankees release him from the final year of a disastrous four-year, $39.95 million contract. Needing room on the 40-man roster so they can add Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees hatched the idea of cutting Pavano. The right-hander had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in early June and isn't expected to be ready to pitch until July at the earliest. Under the release plan, Pavano would get the $11 million he is owed for the 2008 season and the $1.95 million buyout he would have coming to him because the Yankees aren't going to pick up a $15 million option for 2009. Pavano, 31, can't return to Arizona because his questionable work ethic ticked off fitness guru Brett Fischer last winter. Pavano is leaning toward accepting the Yankees' minor-league offer so he can have a place to rehab his elbow. By keeping him in the system, the Yankees protect themselves from Pavano healing ahead of schedule and pitching effectively for another team.

The Braves asked for waivers on right-handed pitcher Lance Cormier on Friday for the purpose of granting his unconditional release. The move came less than a week after Cormier was removed from the team's 40-man roster to clear a spot for lefty Tom Glavine.

The Pirates gave up on infielder Jose Castillo, releasing their former starting second baseman Thursday after selecting right-handed reliever Evan Meek in the Rule 5 draft. The 26-year-old Castillo, Pittsburgh's starting second baseman from 2004-06, was demoted to a utility infielder role last season and was used infrequently by former manager Jim Tracy. Castillo made $1.9 million this season and, because he is eligible for arbitration, was likely to earn more next year. Now that he's on the open market, Castillo could be an affordable pickup for a team seeking an experienced infielder with pop and a capable glove. He batted .256 in four seasons with Pittsburgh, hitting .244 in 221 at-bats this season. He hit .253 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs in 2006, although he did not homer after Aug. 14, and had 11 homers and 53 RBIs in 101 games in 2005.

Outfielder So Taguchi has been released by the St. Louis Cardinals after six seasons with the team, according to MLB.com. By cutting the 38-year-old Taguchi, the Cardinals made room on their 40-man roster to allow them to make a selection in Thursday's Rule 5 draft at the winter meetings in Nashville. Taguchi, who signed with the Cards before the 2002 season after a successful career in Japan, established himself as a valuable member of the club in 2004 when he appeared in 109 games. In parts of six seasons with the Cardinals, Taguchi batted .283 with a .336 on-base percentage and became a fan favorite for his hustling style and performance in the 2006 postseason.

The Oakland Athletics on Thursday claimed lefthanded pitcher Jay Marshall off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.

Willie Harris' career with the Braves may have come to a close. The versatile veteran was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for the two players the Braves acquired from the Cubs on Tuesday. Harris was signed out of Kennesaw State by Lamar North (Rossville. Ga.) who was then a scout with the Baltimore Orioles. Once they acquired left-handed reliever Will Ohman and utility infielder Omar Infante from the Cubs in exchange for Jose Ascanio, the Braves notified Harris that he'd been designated. If he's not traded or claimed off waivers by another team in the next 10 days, there's a possibility that he could remain in the Atlanta system. Harris became a fan favorite after being promoted to Atlanta from Triple-A Richmond on April 30. In his first 45 games with the Braves, the 28-year-old veteran hit .383 with a .440 on-base percentage. But in his final 71 games, he hit .204 with a .297 on-base percentage.