July 31 may have marked the end of non-waiver trades, but contending teams are still looking to add help for their playoff push in August through waiver wire deals. A pair of deals were completed over the weekend, and two more well-known players could be on the move.
Waiver wire roundup: Alex Rios to Rangers, Jamey Carroll to Royals
Two players went to contenders over the weekend, while two more cleared waivers for a potential future trade.
Eric Christian Smith
Rangers acquire Rios, send Garcia to White Sox
The Texas Rangers found their Nelson Cruz replacement Friday, acquiring outfielder Alex Rios from the White Sox. The deal originally included a player to be named later, but the White Sox announced Sunday that they acquired infielder Leury Garcia to complete the deal.
Rios impressed in his first game with Texas Saturday, hitting a game-tying RBI triple and eventually scoring the game-winning run. Garcia will report to Triple-A Charlotte, but will quickly create a log-jam at middle infield, making it unclear where the prospect will play.
Carroll traded to Royals
The Kansas City Royals traded for second baseman Jamey Carroll and will send a PTBNL or cash to the Minnesota Twins.
Carroll has struggled at the plate this season, hitting .230/.284/.262 in 202 plate appearances. Royals second basemen have not hit much better, batting a combined .227/.276/.301.
Miguel Tejada had been the most recent starter at second base for Kansas City, but went on the 15-day DL with a right calf strain. Left-handed hitting Chris Getz is eligible to return from the DL Monday, and could provide a platoon partner for the right-handed hitting Carroll.
Dunn, Johnson clear waivers
A pair of big-name players cleared waivers over the weekend and are eligible to be traded: White Sox slugger Adam Dunn and Blue Jays starter Josh Johnson.
Dunn has been reasonably productive this season, hitting .229/.335/.469, but is due nearly $20 million on his contract through next year, which likely kept him from being claimed. The Rangers and Orioles could potentially use upgrades at designated hitter.
Johnson is 2-8 with a 6.20 ERA and due nearly $4 million the rest of the year. The Blue Jays had considered offering Johnson a qualifying offer this winter, but would be on the hook for nearly $14 million next year if he accepts the offer. However, if he is able to return to form after struggling this year, that would end up being a bargain for them.
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