MLB roundup: Phillies LHP Hamels claimed by Cubs

[August 08, 2014]  The Sports Xchange

 Cole Hamels could be headed nowhere, but the Chicago Cubs claimed the Philadelphia Phillies left-hander, opening the possibility of a deal before the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline.

The Cubs reportedly claimed Hamels on Wednesday, giving the teams 48 hours to work out a trade or for the Phillies to pull Hamels back. Right fielder Marlon Byrd was also claimed via waivers. Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon cleared waivers.

If they so choose, the Phillies have 48 hours to execute trades with the team that claimed Hamels and Byrd.

Hamels could suit the Cubs, who have the financial means and farm system to make such a high-profile move. However, Hamels has a limited no-trade clause, enabling him to block trades to any team other than the Angels, Braves, Dodgers, Cardinals, Nationals, Padres, Rangers, Red Sox and Yankees.

Placing players on waivers is largely a procedural move and doesn't forecast a deal.

---The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired right-handed pitcher Roberto Hernandez from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for two players to be named or cash considerations, the teams announced Thursday.

Hernandez, who will turn 34 on Aug. 30, has been solid in his last seven trips to the mound, going 3-3 with a 2.85 ERA over 47 1/3 innings while averaging nearly seven innings per start. During this stretch that began on June 23, Hernandez has limited opponents to a .194 average while allowing just one home run.

On the season, the native of the Dominican Republic is 6-8 with a 3.87 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 23 games (20 starts).

ESPN.com reported that Hernandez will take the place of Josh Beckett in the Dodgers' rotation. Beckett has been attempting to pitch with a torn labrum in his hip.

---The Boston Red Sox activated infielder Kelly Johnson from the disabled list.

Johnson, 32, was acquired from the New York Yankees in exchange for Stephen Drew despite Johnson being on the disabled list with a groin injury. He has been out since July 22.

To make room for Johnson, rookie outfielder Mookie Betts was demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket.

---The Cleveland Indians optioned right-handed pitcher Danny Salazar to Triple-A Columbus and recalled right-hander C.C. Lee.

Lee, 27, is set to rejoin the Indians bullpen and begin his fourth stint with Cleveland this season. He has gone 0-1 with one save and a 3.30 ERA over 30 innings in 25 games for Columbus.

---The Colorado recalled right-hander Juan Nicasio from Triple-A Colorado Springs where he had made the move to the bullpen. Right-hander Brooks Brown was optioned to Colorado Springs.

---The Washington Nationals activated catcher Wilson Ramos off the temporarily inactive list (paternity leave) before the game and sent catcher Sandy Leon to Triple-A Syracuse.

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