19 players were taken in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 draft in December. Rule 5 picks are often returned to their original teams, as it's challenging to keep these players in the Majors all year. Another option is for the two clubs to work out a trade. The latest on this year's group:
- Pirates took infielder Josh Rodriguez from Indians. The Pirates are seriously considering trying to work out a deal with the Tribe, reported MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch on Saturday. Rodriguez is still in the mix for the Pirates' backup middle infield job, but Langosch says Pedro Ciriaco appears to be the favorite.
- Mariners took reliever Jose Flores from Indians. Flores has yet to pitch above Low-A ball, and his spring stats (five runs, four hits, and four walks in 3 2/3 innings) haven't helped his case. Even in the Mariners' unsettled bullpen it would be tough to keep Flores up all year.
- Diamondbacks took reliever Joe Paterson from Giants. As of March 10th the sidearming southpaw was a leading candidate to make the D'Backs. His spring numbers are strong, and he has Triple-A experience.
- Orioles took reliever Adrian Rosario from Brewers. He's only made two appearances this spring, and one of them resulted in a walk-off home run. As of Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com wrote that Rosario "isn't making the team."
- Royals took starter Nathan Adcock from Pirates. Though he's only struck out three, Adcock is unscored upon in nine innings this spring. He seems to have a good shot at making the team, a dream come true for a guy who was in High-A ball last year.
- Nationals took reliever Elvin Ramirez from Mets. Back on March 13th, Adam Kilgore explained how arm trouble was preventing the Nationals from evaluating Ramirez. Barring an amazing, healthy week Ramirez will be offered back to the Mets.
- Cubs took starter Mason Tobin from Angels; traded to Rangers. With 5 2/3 scoreless innings, Tobin is "in the mix" for a bullpen job according to GM Jon Daniels.
- Astros took pitcher Aneury Rodriguez from Rays and starter Lance Pendleton from Yankees. Neither pitcher won the fifth starter job, but Astros manager Brad Mills says they're both in the running for the bullpen. Both have had control problems this spring.
- Brewers took reliever Pat Egan from Orioles. He's tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings and has Triple-A experience, so he appears to be in the running for a bullpen job.
- Mets took second baseman Brad Emaus from Blue Jays. He's still in the Mets' second base mix with Luis Hernandez and Daniel Murphy. Emaus' spring performance hasn't helped, though the release of Luis Castillo did.
- Padres took reliever George Kontos from Yankees. He was returned on March 14th.
- Twins took starter Scott Diamond from Braves. A trade appeared possible earlier this month. Diamond has allowed one run in six spring innings, though his strikeout and walk numbers aren't pretty.
- Yankees took reliever Robert Fish from Angels; claimed off waivers by Royals. The Royals claimed the hard-throwing lefty six days ago, so clearly they're considering him for their bullpen.
- Rays took reliever Cesar Cabral from Red Sox. The Blue Jays got involved at one point, which requires its own explanation. Cabral remains in the mix for the Rays.
- Phillies took infielder Michael Martinez from Nationals. Castillo affects another Rule 5 pick, as Martinez's chances are hurt by the Phillies' acquisition of the veteran. Even without Castillo, Martinez did not appear to be a frontrunner at second base.
- Nationals took starter Brian Broderick from Cardinals. On Friday Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said Broderick was "forcing the issue" in competing for a long relief job. He's allowed one run in 10 2/3 innings, though he's only struck out four.
- Mets took reliever Pedro Beato from Orioles. The strikeouts aren't there, but Beato still appears likely to make the team.
- Yankees took reliever Daniel Turpen from Red Sox. He was returned to the Red Sox on March 13th.
- So far, only two of the 19 Rule 5 picks have been returned. Expect plenty more this week.
