Padres pick up RHP Northcroft in Upton deal
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4:54 pm ET) The Padres have announced that they have also received right-hander Aaron Northcraft in the deal with the Braves that landed them slugger Justin Upton.

The 24-year-old Northcraft has yet to make his major league debut.

Rays designate veteran RHP Brandon Gomes
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4:38 pm ET) The Rays have designated right-hander Brandon Gomes for assignment.

Gomes split last season between Tampa Bay and Triple-A Durham. He finished the year with a 2-2 mark and 3.71 ERA in 29 relief appearances.

Angels set to release INF Shawn O’Malley
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4:32 pm ET) The Angels have granted infielder Shawn O’Malley his unconcitional release.

O’Malley was promoted briefly late in the 2014 season and managed three hits in 16 at-bats. It was his first major league stint.

Tigers dispatch RHP Melvin Mercedes to Toledo
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4:14 pm ET) The Tigers have outrighted right-hander Melvin Mercedes to Triple-A Toledo a week after designating him for assignment. He cleared waivers.

The 24 year old pitched two hitless shutout innings in one appearance this season for Detroit.

Report suggests Marlins could trade deposed 3B McGehee
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4:01 pm ET) The deal that sent Martin Prado to the Marlins could result in 2014 surprise Casey McGehee being expendable, per the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Prado is expected to assume the role of every-day third baseman for Miami. McGehee flashed virtually no power last season, but drove in 76 runs, batted .287 and committed just seven errors.

Cubs claim Oakland castoff OF Shane Peterson
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(3:45 pm ET) Outfielder Shane Peterson has been claimed by the Cubs a week after being designated for assignment by Oakland.

Peterson managed one hit in seven at-bats for the Athletics in 2013 and has not played since.

RHP Preston Guilmet receives DFA tag from Pirates
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(3:42 pm ET) Ten weeks after acquiring right-hander Preston Guilmet in a trade from Baltimore, the Pirates have designated him for assignment.

Guilmet has pitched in 14 major league games, all in relief, and yielded 12 runs on 16 hits in 15 2/3 innings.

Royals send OF Carlos Peguero packing
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(3:38 pm ET) The Royals have released once-promising outfielder Carlos Peguero.

Peguero lost his luster after a strong minor league career in the Seattle system. He has earned just 15 major league at-bats in the last two years combined and owns a career average of .196. The 27 year old is rumored to be interested in playing in Japan.

Royals agree with OF Rios on option for 2016
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(3:27 pm ET) The Royals could have newly acquired outfielder Alex Rios sticking around for a second season. He has officially signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2016.

Rios lost his power in 2014. He hit just four home runs, but still finished with a respectable slash line of .280/.311/.398 and ripped 30 doubles.

Cubs sign C Ryan Lavarnway, DFA two others
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(3:23 pm ET) The Cubs have claimed former Boston catcher Ryan Lavarnway off waivers. They have also desginated for assignment right-hander Donn Roach and infielder Logan Watkins.

Lavarnway was hitless in 10 at-bats for the Red Sox in 2014 after missing extended time with a broken wrist.