Angels release Carlos Pena, who still wants to continue his playing career at age 35

By Drew SilvaMar 23, 2014, 2:14 PM EDT
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Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times has the report from Arizona …

Pena had only an outside shot at an Opening Day roster spot and sealed his fate by batting .139/.205/.167 with 14 strikeouts in 39 plate appearances in the Cactus League. The 35-year-old has hit .201/.327/.351 in 249 regular-season games since the start of 2011 and he rates poorly defensively at first base.

Anaheim also cut ties with catcher Yorvit Torrealba and infielder Chad Tracy on Sunday.

Zack Wheeler will miss at least two starts when his wife gives birth

Zack Wheeler miss starts
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
By Bill BaerJul 5, 2020, 4:34 PM EDT
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Per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Phillies starter Zack Wheeler will miss at least two starts when his wife goes into labor and gives birth to their first child, expected to be later this month. Wheeler, in fact, is not sure if he will return to play at all once their child is born.

Wheeler said, “We just have to see how things are here at the field and at the stadium. I’m happy with what I see so far. But things could change, especially once our baby’s born. I always think about what’s going on around me. Is it safe? Is it OK? Literally every single day. I have to just ask myself that. I’m going to continue to keep asking myself that every day.”

Wheeler, 30, inked a five-year, $118 million contract with the Phillies in December. He is slated for the No. 2 spot in the rotation behind Aaron Nola. Last season, with the Mets, Wheeler posted a 3.96 ERA with 195 strikeouts and 50 walks over 195 1/3 innings.

The No. 5 spot in the Phillies’ rotation is currently up for grabs between Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez, Ranger Suárez, and prospect Spencer Howard. One of the remaining three could fill in for Wheeler when he needs time off, temporarily or otherwise.