Juan

Abreu

This one comes as a minor surprise, as Abreu looked like he had a legitimate chance at a bullpen spot after posting a 2.70 ERA and 12/3 K/BB ratio over 6 2/3 innings down the stretch last season. His control is an issue, but he should be in the Astros’ bullpen at some point in 2012.

Abreu was designated for assignment earlier this week after posting a 7.09 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings this season at Triple-A. He has a big arm, though, so the Jays will take a shot on him.

Abreu was claimed off waivers last week, and will accept a minor league assignment. He posted a 2.70 ERA in seven appearances with the Astros earlier this season.

The move clears a 40-man roster spot for the arrival of outfielder Brandon Barnes. Abreu, 27, has a 7.09 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings this season at Triple-A.

Abreu refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Las Vegas, opting instead to dip his toes in the free agent waters come early November. The 27-year-old righty had a 6.80 ERA in 49 innings this summer in the minors.

Abreu has posted gaudy strikeout totals in the minors, including last year while at Triple-A with the Blue Jays, but he also had a 6.80 ERA with Toronto. He’ll provide minor league depth.

The 28-year-old right-hander missed the entire 2013 season due to injury. He’ll function as organizational depth for the Dodgers.

Abreu recently became a minor league free agent, however he was signed to a major league contract by Atlanta. The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 3.67 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 16 saves in 36 relief appearances between Class A Wilmington and Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2009 with the Royals organization. Abreu is erratic (career rate of 5.7 BB/9) but the Braves will take a chance on his impressive heater.

Abreu, 24, recently became a minor league free agent. Armed with an impressive heater, Abreu posted a 1.69 ERA and 28/14 K/BB ratio in 20 relief appearances with Class A Wilmington, but struggled to a 5.75 ERA in 16 games upon a promotion to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

The Braves were able to clear a spot on their 40-man roster with the move. Abreu was signed by the Braves last November. The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 3.67 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 16 saves in 36 relief appearances between Class A Wilmington and Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2009 with the Royals organization.