The Angels have requested waivers on 19-year veteran outfielder and designated hitter Raul Ibanez for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release, according to an ESPN.com report on Saturday.

The Tampa Bay Rays have claimed Angel Sanchez off waivers from the Miami Marlins.

The move will clear a roster spot for Miami to add Rafael Furcal to the 40-man roster.

Sanchez, a 24-year-old right-hander out of the Dominican Republic, will head to Double-A Montgomery for the Rays.

The Pirates today claimed right-handed pitcher Wirfin Obispo off waivers from the Braves. Obispo will be optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior VP, GM Neal Huntington.

Obispo went 2-1 with a 4.66 ERA, 12 walks and 21 strikeouts in 19 relief appearances this year with Triple-A Gwinnett. He began the year by not allowing a run in each of his first seven appearances.

The 29-year-old Obispo led all International League pitchers with 54 appearances last season while going 2-4 with nine saves and a 3.53 ERA. He also held International League hitters to a .204 batting average against (46-for-226), including a .188 average (15-for-80) vs. left-handed hitters.