This time: May 4-11

Check out the Transactions Glossary for the key to deciphering the various inactive lists presented here.

An asterisk (*) denotes an instance of a player agreeing to terms on a minor league contract with an organization with which he already had a major league agreement.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Released: 3B Ricardo Sosa
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Gerardo Parra
Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Clay Zavada, C Errol Hollinger, C Konrad Schmidt
Reinstated from DL: 2B Taylor Harbin, OF Drew Macias

Atlanta Braves
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Craig Kimbrel, SS Brandon Hicks
Option transferred: RHP Stephen Marek (Double-A to Triple-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike Broadway, RHP Kyle Cofield, RHP Ryan Weber, SS Shayne Moody, OF Adam Milligan
Reinstated from DL: 2B Juan Gonzalez

It seems like just yesterday that Kimbrel was terrorizing Appalachian League batters. The ’08 third-round pick debuted in that Rookie-level circuit and proceeded to strike out 27 of the 81 batter he faced (33 percent), while allowing a mere five hits. Kimbrel advanced to Myrtle Beach that summer to participate in the high Class A Carolina League playoffs. He received a similar bump in ’09 to take part in the Triple-A International League playoffs. After striking out 21 and walking five in 15 innings for Gwinnett this season, Kimbrel might be in the big leagues to stay.

Here's an early, overpowering Double-A line you might have missed. In 11 outings for Mississippi, Marek struck out 18, walked one and allowed just seven hits in 13 shutout innings. The 26-year-old also converted all four of his save opps.

Baltimore Orioles
Signed: RHP Jim Johnson*
Released: OF Tyrell Worthington
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Alberto Castillo
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jim Johnson, LHP Wilfrido Perez, C Justin Dalles, OF Danny Figueroa
Reinstated from DL: RHP Oliver Drake, RHP Dennis Sarfate, C Michel Hernandez, 2B Jonathan Tucker

Boston Red Sox
Voluntarily retired: RHP Travis Beazley
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Roman Mendez, 2B Zach Gentile
Placed on temporarily inactive list: 2B Ray Chang

Chicago Cubs
Released: RHP Toby Matchulat
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Gray, 1B Chad Tracy
Option transferred: RHP Marcos Mateo (Triple-A to Double-A)
Added to 40-man roster: SS Starlin Castro
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Corey Martin, RHP Mike Parisi, RHP David Patton, C Mark Johnson
Reinstated from DL: RHP Corey Martin, RHP Jon Nagel, OF Brandon Guyer

In a quality middle-infield rookie class, Castro stands above the fray. The 20-year-old hasn't missed a beat since his promotion from Double-A, batting .364/.417/.636 with a double, a triple and a home run in six games with the Cubs. Other rookie middle infielders of note: Alcides Escobar, Ian Desmond, Scott Sizemore and Reid Brignac

Chicago White Sox
Signed: RHP Angel Garcia, SS Jesus Villegas Andino
Released: OF Lee Cruz
Acquired: OF Buck Coats from Royals for cash considerations
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Justin Cassel, RHP Matt Hopps, RHP Philip Negus, OF Alejandro De Aza
Reinstated from DL: RHP Ricky Brooks

Cincinnati Reds
Released: RHP Mark James, OF Josh Anderson
Placed on restricted list: RHP Terrell Young
Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Daryl Harang, 3B Juan Francisco
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Matt Klinker

Cleveland Indians
Signed: RHP Julio Ramirez
Released: RHP Steve Smith, RHP Erik Stiller, LHP Ryan Edell, C Michael Valadez
Traded: RHP Neil Wagner to Athletics for cash considerations
Voluntarily retired: LHP Heath Taylor
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jensen Lewis
Option transferred: LHP Kelvin de la Cruz (high Class A to Double-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alexander Perez, SS Brian Bixler
Reinstated from DL: RHP Erik Stiller

De la Cruz, 21, struck out 28 batters, walked eight and allowed just 22 hits in 34 innings for high Class A Kinston. He earned his promotion to Double-A after holding Lynchburg to two runs on three hits over 8 1/3 innings on May 5.

Colorado Rockies
Released: RHP Tim Redding
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Charles Ruiz, 2B Omar Quintanilla, SS Joey Wong
Reinstated from DL: SS Chris Nelson, SS Helder Velazquez
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo, LHP Josh Muecke

Detroit Tigers
Released: LHP Jason Waddell
Place on suspended list: LHP Jason Waddell
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nolan Cain, RHP Lester Oliveros, C John Murrian, C Mike Rabelo
Reinstated from DL: RHP Jacob Turner
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Jason Waddell

Florida Marlins
Signed: RHP Adam Veres
Released: RHP Matt DeSalvo, RHP Chris Schroder, LHP Robert Zarate
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tim Wood, LHP Hunter Jones
Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 3B Mike Lamb
Added to 40-man roster: OF Bryan Petersen
Placed on 7-day DL: C Neil Wilson, 3B Taylor Krick, SS Jose Torres
Reinstated from DL: OF Greg Burns, OF Tom Hickman
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP James Houser, C Brett Hayes

Houston Astros
Signed: RHP Sammy Gervacio*
Recalled: RHP Wilton Lopez
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Sammy Gervacio, 3B Chris Johnson
Optioned to Double-A: C J.R. Towles
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Gustavo Chacin, C Kevin Cash
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kyle Greenwalt, RHP Chia-Jen Lo
Reinstated from DL: SS Wladimir Sutil, OF Brian Kemp
Placed on temporarily inactive list: SS Michael Garciaparra
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jonah Bayliss

In 319 plate appearances with the Astros, covering parts of four seasons, Towles has hit .189/.273/.327—a horrid batting line even for a catcher. He's earned a demotion each time. But according to Fox Sports Houston, Towles' poor hitting has nothing to do with his being sent all the way down to Double-A this time. The 26-year-old simply has not improved his receiving or throwing skills behind the plate.

Kansas City Royals
Released: RHP Roman Colon
Traded: OF Buck Coats to White Sox for cash considerations
Recalled: 1B Kila Ka'aihue
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Eric Basurto, 3B Ryan Stovall, SS Juan Rivera
Reinstated from DL: RHP Jorge Campillo, RHP Philip Humber, 3B Wilson Betemit, OF Jamar Walton

The Royals released Colon so that he could sign with the Korea Baseball Organization's Kia Tigers.

Los Angeles Angels
Recalled: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Bobby Cassevah, 2B Kevin Frandsen
Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Robb Quinlan
Designated for assignment: RHP Fernando Rodriguez
Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Fernando Rodriguez
Added to 40-man roster: OF Michael Ryan
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Palmer, RHP Rich Thompson, 2B Ryan Mount, 3B Dillon Baird, 3B Freddy Sandoval, OF Randal Grichuk
Reinstated from DL: OF Matt Long

The Angels expect Grichuk to miss 4-6 weeks, according to correspondent Bill Shaikin, as he recovers from a sprained left thumb. The right fielder batted .229/.280/.431 with four homers and 21 RBIs in 29 games for low Class A Cedar Rapids.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Signed: 2B Travis Denker
Released: 3B Cesar Suarez
Recalled: RHP John Ely
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP John Ely, OF Xavier Paul
Added to 40-man roster: SS Nick Green
Placed on 7-day DL: 3B Pedro Baez, OF Brian Cavazos-Galvez
Reinstated from DL: RHP Josh Walter, LHP John Koronka, C Alex Garabedian, 2B Ramon Nivar, 2B Brian Ruggiano
Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Mike Rivera
Reinstated from inactive list: C Mike Rivera

Milwaukee Brewers
Signed: 3B Justin Parker
Released: 2B Brett Dowdy
Recalled: LHP Mitch Stetter
Added to 40-man roster: OF Adam Stern
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jim Henderson, C Sean McCraw, 3B Steffan Wilson, OF Lee Haydel
Reinstated from DL: RHP Donovan Hand, C Patrick Arlis

This is the same Justin Parker, brother of pitching prospects Jarrod, whom the Diamondbacks released in March.

Minnesota Twins
Released: RHP Yoslan Herrera
Placed on restricted list: RHP Henry Arias
Recalled: 2B Matt Tolbert
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Manship
Option transferred: RHP Deolis Guerra (Double-A to Triple-A), RHP Loek Van Mil (Double-A to high Class A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Steve Hirschfeld, RHP Bobby Lanigan, RHP Tom Stuifbergen, RHP Brad Tippett, RHP Charlie Zink, C Danny Lehmann
Reinstated from DL: RHP Loek Van Mil, OF Brandon Roberts

New York Mets
Released: C Shawn Riggans, OF Seth Williams
Recalled: C Josh Thole, OF Chris Carter
Option transferred: C Omir Santos (Triple-A to Double-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: C Luke Montz, 1B Sam Honeck, 3B Mike Cervenak
Reinstated from DL: C Mike Nickeas, C Shawn Riggans, 1B Nick Evans

Carter could not be contained with Triple-A Buffalo. He batted .336/.390/.611 with six home runs and 22 RBIs in 29 games with the Bisons. The Mets promoted him to take the roster spot of Frank Catalanotto, whose .392 OPS just barely surpassed Carter's batting average.

New York Yankees
Signed: OF Justin Christian
Released: OF Joe Talerico
Recalled: RHP Ivan Nova, RHP Romulo Sanchez, 2B Kevin Russo, OF Greg Golson
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mark Melancon, RHP Romulo Sanchez, OF Greg Golson
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Adam Olbrychowski, RHP John Van Benschoten
Reinstated from DL: RHP Brandon Braboy, RHP Kevin Whelan, C P.J. Pilittere, SS Walter Ibarra

The Yankees signed Joltin' Joe Talerico at the Aug. 17 deadline last year after making him a 21st-round pick out of Brookdale (N.J.) CC. He never did appear in a game for the organization.

Oakland Athletics
Acquired: RHP Neil Wagner from Indians for cash considerations
Recalled: RHP Vin Mazzaro, RHP Edwar Ramirez, RHP Henry Rodriguez
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Vin Mazzaro, LHP Brad Kilby, 2B Steven Tolleson
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike Benacka, 2B Kent Walton, 2B Jemile Weeks, OF Matt Carson, OF Rashun Dixon
Reinstated from DL: RHP Andrew Carignan, RHP Fautino de los Santos, RHP Brett Hunter, 1B Matt Whitney, 3B Jeff Baisley, OF Toddric Johnson
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Justin Souza

According to correspondent Casey Tefertiller, Weeks could miss a month or more with a partial tear in same left hip he injured last season. He batted .304/.368/.490 with five stolen bases in nine attempts for Double-A Midland.

Philadelphia Phillies
Placed on restricted list: 2B Fidel Hernandez
Added to 40-man roster: C Paul Hoover
Reinstated from DL: RHP Jarred Cosart, RHP John Ennis, 2B Keoni DeRenne

Hernandez will sit for 50 games after testing positive for metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Returned Rule 5 selection: OF John Raynor (to Marlins)
Recalled: 1B Steve Pearce
Placed on 7-day DL: SS Rodolfo Cardona
Reinstated from DL: 3B Kevin Melillo

St. Louis Cardinals
Released: SS Hector Alvarez
Option transferred: RHP Francisco Samuel (high Class A to Double-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chuck Fick, RHP Francisco Samuel, 1B Francisco Rivera, OF Shane Robinson, OF Devin Shepherd
Reinstated from DL: RHP Ramon Delgado, RHP Kevin Thomas
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP P.J. Walters

San Diego Padres
Recalled: RHP Adam Russell, RHP Ryan Webb, LHP Cesar Ramos
Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike DeMark, OF Blake Tekotte

San Francisco Giants
Recalled: 3B Ryan Rohlinger
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Eugenio Velez
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Denny Bautista
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike MacDonald, RHP Ben Wilshire, LHP Horacio Ramirez, C Aaron Lowenstein, C Nestor Rojas, 1B Andy D'Alesio, 2B Brad Boyer, 2B Skyler Stromsmoe, OF Mike McBryde, OF Clay Timpner
Reinstated from DL: RHP Brian Anderson, RHP Santiago Casilla, LHP Wilmin Rodriguez, LHP Matt Yourkin, Matt Klimas, C Nestor Rojas, OF Tyler Graham

Seattle Mariners
Signed: 3B Jack Hannahan*
Recalled: RHP Shawn Kelley, OF Michael Saunders
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tyler Blandford, LHP Edward Paredes, C Guillermo Quiroz, OF Dan Carroll
Reinstated from DL: RHP Wes Littleton, RHP Yusmeiro Petit
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP David Pauley

Saunders went 16-for-80 (.200) with one extra-base hit (a double) for Triple-A Tacoma. So of course he goes 7-for-18 with two homers and two doubles in his first five games with the Mariners.

Tampa Bay Rays
Signed: RHP Virgil Vasquez (re-signed), LHP Sergio Espinosa
Released: RHP Logan Kensing
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Bush, RHP Virgil Vasquez, C Mark Thomas, 1B Eli Sonoqui, 2B Cody Cipriano, OF Brett Nommensen, OF Justin Ruggiano
Reinstated from DL: RHP Alex Cobb, LHP R.J. Swindle
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Heath Phillips
Reinstated from inactive list: OF Leslie Anderson

Cuban lefty Espinosa reportedly threw 90-plus mph with a sharp breaking ball in his native land. The blog Cuban Ball Players wrote last November that Espinosa had been suspended for an attempt to defect.

Texas Rangers
Option transferred: RHP Alexi Ogando (Double-A to Triple-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Omar Beltre, 1B Matt Brown, OF Cody Podraza, OF Cristian Santana
Reinstated from DL: SS Erik Morrison
Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Chris Gradoville
Reinstated from inactive list: C Jose Felix, C Chris Gradoville

Toronto Blue Jays
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brian Slover, LHP Dan DeLucia, SS Kevin Nolan, OF Aaron Mathews, OF Kenny Wilson
Reinstated from DL: C Karim Turkamani, 2B John Tolisano, 3B Mark Sobolewski, OF Jorge Padilla, OF Kenny Wilson

Washington Nationals
Signed: RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Zach Dials
Released: 2B Dan Nelson, OF Mike Daniel
Recalled: LHP Matt Chico
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Justin Maxwell
Option transferred: RHP Stephen Strasburg (Double-A to Triple-A)
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Doug Slaten
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Collin Balester, LHP Josh Smoker
Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike MacDougal, RHP Brad Meyers, C Derek Norris, OF Brandon Whiting

In case you missed it, Strasburg ranked No. 1 on our May 14 Prospect Hot Sheet. His first two starts for Syracuse resulted in the following line: 12 innings, one hit, no runs, two walks, 13 strikeouts.