Report: Astros could add back of the rotation starter
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12:24 am ET) The Astros could add a back of the rotation starter, according to FoxSports.com.

Houston still has some payroll flexibility, and are said to be looking at pitchers, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. If the team decides to bring in a starter, it will likely won’t be an ace-type. Both Kyle Kendrick and Ryan Vogelsong have been mentioned as possible candidates for the team. 

Kendrick, 30, posted a 4.61 ERA over 199 innings last year. The 37-year-old Vogelsong posted a 4.00 ERA over 184 2/3 innings. 

Braves/Astros announce Evan Gattis deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Braves have traded catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis and pitcher James Hoyt to the Astros for three prospects, the teams announced. CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman confirmed the deal early on Wednesday. The deal was initially reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The 28-year-old Gattis is coming off a season in which he hit .263/.317/.493 over 369 at-bats. Gattis dealt with back issues during the season, causing him to miss time. Gattis is under team control through the 2018 season. It’s unclear where Gattis will play with his new club.

Hoyt, 27, posted a 3.17 ERA over two levels of the minors last year. 

In return, the Braves will receive pitchers Mike Foltynewicz and Andrew Thurman , and third baseman Rio Ruiz . 

Foltynewicz was rated as the Astros third-best prospect this year according to Baseball America. The 23-year-old pitched in 18 games with Houston last year, posting a 5.30 ERA.

Thurman, 23, posted a 5.38 ERA at Class A last year. The 20-year-old Ruiz .293/.387/.436 over 516 at-bats in High A.

Tigers bring back Daniel Schlereth on a minor-league deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Tigers have signed pitcher Daniel Schlereth to a minor-league deal.

Schlereth was been a member of the club for the past three seasons, but hit free agency. The 28-year-old has a 4.38 ERA over 93 career innings. 

Astros, Chris Carter avoid arbitration
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Astros have avoided arbitration with designated hitter Chris Carter, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Carter is set to make $4.175 million next season. He’s coming off a season in which he hit .227/.308/.491 over 507 at-bats. The 28-year-old hit 37 home runs. 

White Sox bring back Brian Anderson on minor-league deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The White Sox have signed outfielder Brian Anderson to a minor-league deal, the team announced.

Anderson was a former first-round pick by the team back in 2003, but failed to develop into an effective hitter in the majors. In 779 career at-bats, Anderson hit just .227/.290/.370. Following the 2009 season, Anderson decided to convert to a pitcher, but failed to experience success. After 2012, Anderson started playing independent ball. 

Anderson has apparently given up on pitching, as he signed with the team as an outfielder. The 32-year-old will likely open the year as minor-league depth.

Report: Padres sign Daniel McCutchen to minor-league deal
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Padres have signed pitcher Daniel McCutchen to a minor-league contract, U-T San Diego reports.

McCutchen has made one major-league appearance in the last two seasons, giving up three runs (two earned) in 2 1/3 innings with the Rangers in 2014. He posted an 8.13 ERA and 72:23 K:BB ratio in 86 1/3 Triple-A innings last season.

Padres outright Jake Goebbert to Triple-A El Paso
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Padres sent first baseman Jake Goebbert outright to Triple-A El Paso after he cleared waivers Wednesday, U-T San Diego reports.

Goebbert, who was designated for assignment last week, made his major-league debut last season, hitting .218/.313/.317 with one home run and 10 RBI in 101 at-bats with the Padres. He hit .296/.410/.539 with 14 home runs and 60 RBI in 280 Triple-A at-bats in 2014.

Rockies avoid arbitration with pitcher Tyler Chatwood
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Rockies have avoided arbitration with pitcher Tyler Chatwood, the team announced.

Chatwood agreed to a two-year deal, though the terms were not released. The 25-year-old made four starts with the club before undergoing UCL surgery in 2014. He’s compiled a 4.34 ERA over 342 career inning. 

Nationals deal Tyler Clippard for Athletics infielder Yunel Escobar
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Nationals have traded reliever Tyler Clippard for Athletics infielder Yunel Escobar, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. The Clippard news was initially reported by MLB.com. The deal is pending a physical.

Escobar was just acquired by Oakland, but will be on the move once again. The 32-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted a .258/.324/.340 slash line over 476 at-bats. Escobar is under contract for two more seasons. He’s set to make a total of $13 million over those two years. He also has a $7 million option for 2017. Prior to joining Oakland, Escobar spent his last two years with the Rays. 

Clippard, 29, is under control for one more season. He’s currently arbitration-eligible, and hasn’t settled on a contract for the 2015 season. Clippard posted a 2.18 ERA over 70 1/3 innings last year. 

Rockies, Jordan Lyles avoid arbitration
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/14/2015) The Rockies have avoided arbitration with pitcher Jordan Lyles, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. 

Lyles is set to receive $2.475 million next season. The 24-year-old posted a 4.33 ERA over 126 2/3 innings last year. Lyles is expected to open the season in the team’s rotation.