The Washington Nationals traded outfielder Nyjer Morgan to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday for minor league infielder Cutter Dykstra and cash. Morgan was expendable after it became clear Rick Ankiel and Jerry Hairston Jr. would platoon in centerfield.
"It wasn't really what he didn't show as what Ankiel did show," general manager Mike Rizzo said. "Ankiel showed us he can go get the ball in the outfield. His arm is really a weapon. He can create a lot of damage with one swing.
Morgan, who bats and throws left-handed, likely will compete with right-handed-hitting Carlos Gomez. Ankiel, who will get most of the starts in center, signed a $1.5-million deal in December. Dykstra, son of ex-player Lenny Dykstra, played third base at Class A Wisconsin, batting .312 with 27 steals and a .416 on-base percentage.
Atlanta: Former Tigers outfielder Wilkin Ramirez was reassigned. Chicago Cubs: Carlos Silva was released one day after the right-hander criticized the team. "He wasn't good enough to make the team," general manager Jim Hendry said. Silva had a 10.90 ERA in five games. He started 8-0 last season, but was 2-6 with a 6.15 ERA in the second half. On Saturday, Silva said pitching coach Mark Riggins told him he might have to consider going to the minor leagues. Silva said: "No chance." Silva, 31, criticized Riggins for the way he gave him the news.
Cincinnati: Left-hander Dontrelle Willis and outfielder Jeremy Hermida were reassigned. Willis will report to Triple-A Louisville, and Hermida will explore his options elsewhere. Willis walked 11 in 9 2/3 innings this spring with a 9.31 ERA. The former Tiger is 29. Hermida hit .342 but was trying to win a spot as a nonroster player.
Philadelphia: Former Tigers catcher Dane Sardinha was reassigned. Tampa Bay: Traded infielder Joe Inglett, who led the majors with 20 pinch-hits in 2010, to Houston for a player to be named or cash.
Standouts
Alex Gordon: Hit his fifth homer in the Royals' 7-4 win over the Giants. Ubaldo Jimenez: Pitched six scoreless innings in the Rockies' 5-2 victory over the Athletics. Rajai Davis: Singled twice, doubled twice and tripled in the Blue Jays' 9-5 victory over the Orioles. Mark Trumbo: Hit his sixth home run and drove in four runs in the Angels' 9-2 victory over the Padres.