MLB Roster Shakeups
MLB Clubs Make Several Roster Moves Involving Injured and Underperforming Veterans
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Key Points
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Rob Zastryzny’s comeback was complicated by a diminished fastball: his average velocity at Triple-A was 90.2 mph, and he had ended four separate rehabilitation assignments in attempts to return to the majors.
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JJ Wetherholt missed 15 games while recovering from right wrist tendinitis. Ramon Urias had signed a one-year, $2 million contract with St. Louis before spring training, and his time with the Cardinals was also interrupted by lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow.
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Chris Devenski was a key part of Houston’s rise before his release: he posted a 2.16 ERA in 48 appearances as a 2016 rookie and made the 2017 All-Star team after recording a 2.68 ERA, 100 strikeouts and 80⅔ innings.
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José Urquidy’s designation carried a potential postseason consequence: if another team claimed him off waivers, he would not be eligible to pitch in the playoffs. Tommy John surgery had kept him sidelined for most of 2024 and 2025.
Several MLB clubs made quick roster moves on Tuesday, cutting ties with injured or underperforming veterans. The Milwaukee Brewers designated left-hander Rob Zastryzny for assignment after he failed to return from a trapezius strain, while the St. Louis Cardinals cut loose Gold Glove infielder Ramon Urias following a brutal .151 batting average in 43 games MLB.com. The New York Mets outrighted 2017 World Series champion Chris Devenski after a disastrous one-out appearance against Miami, and the Chicago White Sox designated 2022 champion José Urquidy for assignment despite acquiring him just months ago ESPN.
Zastryzny's Comeback Derailed by Diminished Fastball
Rob Zastryzny's attempt to return to the majors fell short after repeated failed rehabilitation tries. The left-hander posted a 2.45 ERA in 22 innings during 2024 but struggled to recover from his trapezius injury. At Triple-A, his fastball averaged just 90.2 mph — a significant drop that ended four separate rehabilitation assignments MLB.com. Zastryzny has not appeared in a major league game since 2025.
Cardinals Cut Underperforming Urias After Costly Contract
The Cardinals reinstated rookie JJ Wetherholt from the injured list and designated Ramon Urias for assignment after just one disappointing season. Urias signed a one-year, $2 million deal before spring training but hit just .151 with a .586 OPS in 43 games MLB.com. He also dealt with lateral epicondylitis — tennis elbow — which interrupted his time with St. Louis. Wetherholt, who missed 15 games with right wrist tendinitis, gets a fresh opportunity with the team.
Devenski's Fall From All-Star Glory
Chris Devenski was once a cornerstone of the Houston Astros' pitching staff. As a 2016 rookie, he posted a 2.16 ERA in 48 appearances and made the 2017 All-Star team with a 2.68 ERA and 100 strikeouts MLB.com. But the Mets outrighted the 2017 World Series champion after he allowed five earned runs while recording just one out against Miami. His decline marks a stark contrast to his early Houston success.
Urquidy Claimed by Phillies Despite Postseason Risk
The Chicago White Sox designated José Urquidy for assignment after posting a 4.37 ERA in 22⅔ innings. The 2022 World Series champion had recently returned from Tommy John surgery that kept him sidelined for most of 2024 and 2025 Washington Post. The Philadelphia Phillies quickly claimed him off waivers, though Urquidy cannot pitch in the playoffs if another team had claimed him first Washington Post. He is expected to pitch Friday against the New York Mets.
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