MLB roundup: Patton popped with suspension, A’s avoid arbitration with Barton
Baltimore’s Patton served with 25-game ban, Oakland reaches a compromise with Barton and more.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA
Oriole's relief pitcher Troy Patton received a 25-game suspension without pay for testing positive for an amphetamine. The positive test is a violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Patton appeared in 56 games, throwing 56 innings and recording a 3.70 ERA while notching 42 strikeouts and allowing 16 walks.
More Orioles News on: Camden Chat
Oakland avoids arbitration with Barton
The Oakland Athletics announced that they avoided arbitration with first baseman Daric Barton. The one year deal worth $1.275 million, per Scout.com's Kiley McDaniel.
The 28-year-old appeared in 37 games for Oakland in 2013, hitting .269/.350/.375. The former first round pick and top prospect has failed to generate a ton of value over his career (nine rWAR), though the alternative spelling of his first name never fails to delight.
More A's News on: AthleticsNation
Surkamp designated for assignment
Occasional big league starting pitcher Eric Surkamp was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants. He appeared in one game for San Francisco, giving up seven runs and two homers in 2.2 innings in 2013. He also managed to hit two batters.
While he did experience minor league success (2.84 ERA in 484.2 MiLB innings), Surkamp’s stuff hasn’t held up to major league scrutiny.
More Giants News on: McCovey Chronicles
Valdespin expected to get minor league deal
The Marlins are expected to sign infielder/outfielder Jordany Valdespin to a minor league contract. The deal is not expected to include an invitation to Spring Training according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.
Valdespin faced his share of adversity last season, including a batting average below the Mendoza Line and an OPS+ of 60. His season ended in August when he did not appeal his suspension for involvement in the BioGenesis scandal.
More Marlins News on: Fish Stripes
Texas signs two to minor league contracts
The Rangers announced that they agreed to terms with infielder Kensuke Tanaka and southpaw pitcher Ryan Feierabend, with both receiving invitations to Spring Training.
Tanaka got 30 at-bats in 15 games with San Francisco hitting .267 in his debut Major League season. He did hit .329 while playing most of the season in Triple-A Fresno, and showed a mature approach at the plate with more walks (42) than strikeouts (36).
Feierabend returns to Texas after spending 2013 in the minor league system splitting time between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock. He posted a 3.70 ERA in 148.1 innings across the two levels and last appeared in the majors in 2008 as a member of the Seattle Mariners.
More Rangers News on: Lone Star Ball
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