Following Gattis trade, outfielder Norichika Aoki on Braves’ radar
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:57 am ET) With the trade of Evan Gattis, outfielder Norichika Aoki is on the Braves’ radar, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. The Orioles are also among other teams scouting Aoki.

The Braves have a need for another outfielder with the trade of Gattis, per Heyman. The team likes Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano, who they signed this offseason. Heyman also suggests veteran outfielder B.J. Upton might get a fair amount of playing time in the outfield in a chance to showcase the veteran outfielder for a trade.

Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia is ‘ready to go’ coming off wrist surgery
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:11 am ET) Red Sox manager John Farrell provided an update to MLB Network Radio on Wednesday regarding Dustin Pedroia, saying the veteran second baseman is “doing great” coming off wrist surgery.

It was then Pedroia’s turn to confirm Farrell’s sentiments by telling WEEI he is progressing well after undergoing surgery in September.

“If [spring training] started tomorrow, I’m ready,” Pedroia said by phone. “I’ve got all my strength back. I’m lifting like a maniac. I’m pretty excited. Last year at this time I couldn’t hit yet. It’s obvious a lot different offseason this year than last year.

“I’m full go. I’ve been throwing, hitting, taking some ground balls. I’m ready to go. … I’m done with the rehab. I haven’t missed a beat. I haven’t had my strength like normal for few years. I’m excited.”

The 31-year-old Pedroia hit just .278 with seven home runs, 33 doubles and 53 RBI in 135 games last season. He has hit fewer than 10 home runs in two straight seasons.

Rays’ Jake McGee still on track to open season on disabled list
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:53 am ET) Rays reliever Jake McGee, who underwent elbow surgery in mid-December, said Wednesday he is scheduled to begin a throwing program next week, according to The Tampa Tribune.

“Best-case scenario is, I might be able to go out on a rehab assignment at the start of the season (April 6),” McGee said. “But that’s without any setbacks.”

Red Sox’s Napoli back up to 230 pounds, to resume hitting Friday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:47 am ET) Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli, who underwent surgery in November to address sleep apnea, is expected to resume hitting Friday, agent Brian Greiper told The Boston Globe. Grieper added Napoli is back up to 230 pounds after losing weight following the surgery because he was unable to eat.

Aside from dealing with sleep apnea, Napoli also dealt with injuries to his finger, toe, knee and back in 2014. He was limited to 119 games last season, batting .248 with 17 home runs, 20 doubles and 55 RBI. Napoli hit .259 with 23 home runs, 38 doubles and 82 RBI in 2013.

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.