April Recap, Part 2

So, we've looked at the divisional standings, and some of the statistical leaders through the first month of the season. But there were some interesting news and story-lines that deserve some reviewing as well. Injuries, debuts, and some surprise transactions are recapped below.

INJURIES:

Orlando Hernandez, Curt Schilling, Scott Kazmir, John Lackey, Chris Carpenter, Mike Hampton, Noah Lowry, Joel Zumaya, Jason Schmidt, Mark Prior, Matt Clement, Chris Ray, and Kelvim Escobar are among the big-time pitchers who did not throw a single pitch in a Major League game in April, due to various injuries.

Dmitri Young, Eric Chavez, Chris Duffy, Moises Alou, and Rocco Baldelli are among the hitters not to have made a plate appearance in April, due to various injuries.

John Smoltz, Randy Johnson, Chad Cordero, Erik Bedard, Brad Lidge, Wandy Rodriguez, B.J. Ryan, Rich Harden, J.J. Putz, Dontrelle Willis, Pedro Martinez, and Yovanni Gallardo (who will likely miss the rest of the season) are among the pitchers who spent time on the disabled list in the month of April.

Kaz Matsui, Cliff Floyd, Scott Rolen, Michael Cuddyer, Curtis Granderson, Alfonso Soriano, Jimmy Rollins, Ty Wigginton, Shane Victorino, Howie Kendrick, and Mike Lowell are among the hitters who spent time on the disabled list in the month of April.

DFAs (Designated for Assignment):

• Phillies - Wes Helms (traded to the Marlins for a player to be named or cash).
• Red Sox - Kyle Snyder (Sent to Triple-A Pawtucket), Bryan Corey (sent to Triple-A Pawtucket).
• A's - Dan Johnson (claimed off waivers by the Rays), Kirk Saarloos (sent to Triple-A Sacramento)
• Mariners - Charlton Jimerson (Re-signed to a minor league contract), Greg Norton (traded to the Braves for a player to be named or cash), Brad Wilkseron (released; signed by the Blue Jays)
• Astros - David Newhan, Humberto Quintero (sent to Triple-A Round Rock), Tomas Perez (sent to Triple-A Round Rock)
• Blue Jays - Frank Thomas (signed by the A's)
• Royals - Hideo Nomo (released)
• Reds - Juan Castro (released)
• Rays - Dan Johnson (sent to Triple-A Durham), Mike DiFelice (sent to Triple-A Durham)
• Rockies- Jayson Nix (sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs), Jose Capellan (refused assignment to Triple-A Round Rock; released)
• Giants - Rajai Davis (claimed off waivers by the A's)
• Mets - Brady Clark (sent to Triple-A New Orleans)
• Rangers - Jason Botts (sent to Triple-A Oklahoma)
• Orioles - Greg Aquino (sent to Triple-A Norfolk)
• Yankees - Sean Henn (claimed off waivers by the Padres)

Released:

• Steve Kline - Giants
• Ray King - Nationals
• Matt Morris - Pirates (retired)
• Mike Stanton - Reds

Last Minute Free Agent Signings:

• The Brewers signed RHP Jeff Weaver to a minor league contract.
• The Mets signed RHP Claudio Vargas to a minor league contract.
• The A's signed DH Frank Thomas to a one year contract.
• The Rockies signed infielder Juan Castro to a minor league contract.

Trades:

• The Brewers dealt outfielder Gabe Gross to the Rays in exchange for minor leaguer Josh Butler.
• The Rockies acquired LHP Jorge de la Rosa and cash from the Royals for a player to be named.
• The Rockies also acquired RHP Jason Grilli from the Tigers in exchange for minor leaguer Zach Simmons.
• The Phillies traded infielder Wes Helms to the Marlins for a player to be named or cash.

Transaction information courteous of MLB.com