LOS ANGELES — Atlanta grabbed Dereck Rodríguez from the Twins on Monday by claiming the righthanded pitcher on waivers.
Twins can't slip Dereck Rodríguez through waivers as he's claimed by Atlanta
The veteran righthander was optioned to St. Paul by the Twins on Saturday, but was nabbed Monday by the Braves.
May 16, 2023 at 8:03AM
Rodríguez was optioned back to Class AAA St. Paul on Saturday when the Twins called up Cole Sands from the Saints. The Twins then tried to place him on waivers, but he was claimed by the Braves.
Rodríguez made one appearance for the Twins this season and two last season, and was 2-0 in seven games for the Saints this season.
The 30-year-old is the son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodríguez and is a converted outfielder. A Miami native, he pitched in 51 games for the Giants from 2018-20.
The Braves added Rodríguez to their 40-man roster and optioned him to Class AAA Gwinnett. The Gwinnett Stripers play 35 miles from Atlanta's Truist Field.
To make room on the 40-man, the Braves transferred injured pitcher Kyle Wright to the 60-day injured list to clear space. Wright, the only 20-game winner in the majors last season, has shoulder problems and isn't expected back until August.
Pablo Lopez (2-2, 3.47 ERA) starts for the Twins against Noah Syndergaard (1-3, 6.12).
Joey Gallo stays in the leadoff spot for the Twins.
TWINS LINEUP
Joey Gallo, LF
Alex Kirilloff, 1B
Carlos Correa, SS
Byron Buxton, DH
Jorge Polanco, 2B
Trevor Larnach, RF
Kyle Farmer, 3B
Nick Gordon, CF
Christian Vázquez, C
DODGERS LINEUP
Mookie Betts, RF
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Will Smith, C
Max Muncy, 3B
J.D. Martinez, DH
Justin Heyward, CF
Miguel Vargas, 2B
David Peralta, LF
Miguel Rojas, SS
Gerrit Cole gave up his opt-out right on Monday and will remain with the New York Yankees under a contract that runs through 2028 rather than become a free agent.
