According to Sandy Burgin at MLB.com, the San Diego Padres claimed 25-year old pitcher Josh Banks off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Banks, a starting pitcher in the minors, will be sent to Triple-A Portland in the bullpen. Padres manager Bud Black had this to say about Banks, “He’s a right-handed pitcher with a fastball, slider and split-finger [fastball]. He has good control and a low walk rate and started his entire career with the Blue Jays, but we’re going to try him in the bullpen in Portland.” 

The Oakland Athletics kept busy today too, claiming outfielder Rajai Davis from the San Francisco Giants, and designating pitcher Kirk Saarloos for assigment. Thnaks go out to Mychael Urban at MLB.com for the knowledge. Davis, 27, was acquired by the Giants in the trade with the Pirates for starting pitcher Matt Morris. He was designated for assignment by the Giants on April 20th. In 51 games for the Giants after last year’s trade, Davis hit .282, adding 1 home run, 7 RBI and 17 steals. He can play all three outfield positions, and obviously brings a ton of speed to the table.

Filed under: Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays