We did see a trade take place during the daytime hours of July 30. Baltimore, with multiple catchers on the IL, acquired Jake Rogers. The Athletics, meanwhile, claimed former Rule 5 pick Connor Thomas from the Atlanta Braves.

Athletics claim Thomas from Braves

The Athletics claimed relief pitcher Connor Thomas from the Braves on the 30th.

Thomas has moved up and down between Triple-A and the MLB level this past month with the Braves. He posted a 2.09 ERA in Triple-A Gwinnett this season but was shelled in two outings with the Braves, being hung out to dry against the Braves & Mets this month.

Most recently, he allowed 11 runs in 2.1 IP against the Mets earlier this week.

O’s add Rogers

Another catcher was traded on July 30, as the Orioles acquired former Tigers catcher Jake Rogers in a trade. Rogers was recently designated for assignment by the Tigers.

Baltimore has an immediate short-term need for catching help, given that Samuel Basallo & Adley Rutschman are currently on the IL. Rogers has years of experience with the Tigers, where he spent time as both Detroit’s regular catcher during the rebuild and, most recently, a backup to Dillon Dingler.

The Tigers received relief pitcher prospect Zane Barnhart in return. Barnhart, a 17th-round pick by Baltimore in 2023 out of Hillsdale College in Michigan, struck out 45 batters over 40 innings with Double-A Chesapeake. Opposing batters hit just .193 off him this season.

Shorter right-hander at 5’10; 92-96 MPH fastball from a lower arm slot, along with a mid-80s sweeper. A 33% Whiff% in July.

Recalls & options

Winston Santos (Rangers) and Zach McCambley (Reds) were recalled.

Edwin Arroyo (Reds), Chase Petty (Reds), and AJ Smith-Shawver (Braves) were optioned to the Minors.

Other notes

Catching up from news from July 29: the Angels released Alek Manoah.

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