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MLB NEWS WIRE
Angels designate three players; Basallo to debut for O's

By MLB.com staff
09/01/2025

8/28 -- Waiver wire frenzy as several teams dump salary: Several teams, led by the Los Angeles Angels, have decided that their chances at the postseason are officially over and have designated several big names for assignment, giving them time to get claimed by other teams looking to bolster their rosters for the final push.

Much like last season, the Angels led the way again, designating three players off the roster -- infielders Yoan Moncada and Luis Rengifo, along with closer Kenley Jansen. Notably, veteran pitcher Tyler Anderson and outfielder Taylor Ward, both free-agents-to-be, were not a part of this purge, as it's possible they could reject a qualifying offer at season's end to give the Halos one, perhaps two extra draft picks in the 2026 draft.

Arizona also designated reliever Ryan Thompson, per MLB.com writer Anthony Castrovince. Thompson was a big contributor on the D-Backs' 2023 team that reached the World Series along with Kyle Nelson, a lefty reliever who was claimed by the Athletics today.

Although they are still in the race, the Kansas City Royals are also designating outfielder/first baseman Mark Canha for assignment as well, although with all of the new acquisitions they've had since going on the injured list more than two months ago, there really wasn't a role for him to return to after completing his rehab assignment.

Other names that could be on the move are Seattle reliever Eduard Bazardo, Giants reliever Miguel Diaz, and White Sox lefty Brandon Eisert.

8/28 -- Basallo to make MLB debut tonight: With Adley Rutschman going on the injured list, the Orioles are re-calling catching prospect Samuel Basallo and will be playing him behind the plate, at least for the next few weeks.

Despite Rutschman being down with an oblique injury, the Orioles will still carry three catchers (including Basallo) on the roster along with Alex Jackson and Gary Sanchez, also returning from an injured list stint.

Just twenty, Basallo has torn up the International League to the tune of a .939 OPS, with twenty-one homeruns and twenty-six doubles. The jury is still out on whether he will stick behind the plate, but that likely won't stop speculation that the Orioles might be willing to deal Rutschman in the offseason, or even at the deadline next year if they are not in the race at that point.

Basallo could also end up at first or third base, although first is more likely due to the lack of range. Scouts describe Basallo's defensive game in the field as "robotic", and that his arm could carry him at third base for a little while, but that first base or catcher are still his better defensive options.

8/29 -- D-Backs' McKay placed on IL: Making his first MLB start since 2019, Brendan McKay had recorded six strikeouts through 2 1/3 innings in his start against Milwaukee, but left after just thirty-seven pitches with elbow tightness.

An MRI revealed that there was some inflammation in his throwing elbow, and was subsequently placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to August 28th) and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

"He's worked really hard to get back to this point in his career," said manager Torey Lovullo. "Aside from making one mistake tonight on the homerun, he was pitching very, very well at the time, so it's just incredibly frustrating to see this happen for him."

Yu-min Lin, a young left-hander recently called up and subsequently placed on the bereavement list, will re-assume McKay's spot in the rotation and is expected to start tonight against the Brewers.

8/30 -- Dodgers place Conforto on IL; will miss rest of season: Michael Conforto's season with the Dodgers appears to be over, as he was placed on the IL with a biceps strain. He's been day-to-day since August 22nd, but went on the injured list yesterday, retroactive to the 22nd. He hasn't played since August 21st, going 0-for-2 before leaving the game in the sixth.

It's been a rough year for the 32-year-old veteran outfielder, posting a measly 75 OPS+ after posting just two seasons in his career below an OPS+ of 100, and even those seasons were 97 and 96, respectively.

Andy Pages, who had been on a brief rehab assignment in Triple-A, was activated to take Conforto's place. Now, Conforto will look to head into the offseason with some uncertainty about his future, although in a weak year for outfielders, he could still find himself being in demand for offensive-needy teams.

"It's never an easy thing to do, going on the injured list," he said talking to reporters early this morning at the stadium as they prepare for the final game of their series with Arizona. "But I'll continue to travel with and support the guys as we push towards the postseason."

8/31 -- Grisham, Yankees agree to five-year extension: Expected to be one of the better outfield free agents this upcoming offseason, the Yankees instead will not let Trent Grisham get to free agency as they have signed him to a five-year, $130 million extension with a $2 million signing bonus. The fifth year is a player option that is worth $26 million.

The Yankees acquired Grisham from the Padres as part of the 2023 offseason Juan Soto trade, and the trade paid off in spades with Soto putting up a 180 OPS+ (9 bWAR) in 2024; along with Grisham putting up a 121 OPS+ in 467 plate appearances with Gold Glove-level defense so far in 2025.

With Cody Bellinger expected to decline his $22 million player option for next season, it gives the Yankees a little more peace of mind knowing they have at least one veteran outfielder returning for 2026 and beyond. They also have youngster Jasson Dominguez waiting in the wings for a full-time opportunity.

The Yankees' Twitter account announced the signing late last night. The contract includes a no-trade clause; and will pay him $26 million per year guaranteed through 2029 before the option hits for the 2030 season, which would be his age-33 season if executed.