The Minnesota Twins will be re-signing right-handed reliever Darren McCaughan and will head to Triple-A St. Paul after he initially elected free agency after being designated for assignment. McCaughan got caught in an early-season roster crunch but has now returned to the organization and should reappear in Minnesota's bullpen at some point this year. The 29-year-old former 12th-round pick of the Seattle Mariners in 2017 out of Long Beach State had looked good in his first three relief appearances with the Twins before being DFA'd, allowing only one earned run on five hits while walking one and striking out six in 5 1/3 innings pitched. He hasn't been nearly as good in his previous three MLB seasons with the Guardians, Marlins and Mariners, though, posting a 6.43 ERA and 1.61 WHIP with two saves in 56 innings pitched.

The Minnesota Twins designated right-hander Darren McCaughan for assignment on Monday and selected the contract of right-hander Scott Blewett from Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move. The Twins are looking for a fresh bullpen arm. If McCaughan isn't claimed off waivers, expect the 29-year-old to head to St. Paul and serve as relief depth for the Twins. The former 12th-rounder of the Seattle Mariners in 2017 out of Long Beach State gave up an earned run on five hits while walking one and striking out six in 5 1/3 relief innings of work to begin the season, so it's not like he pitched poorly. The 28-year-old Blewett impressed the big-league coaching staff a year ago with a 1.77 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 20 1/3 innings of work. He allowed three earned runs with two walks and three strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings in his first two appearances with St. Paul this year before his promotion.

The Miami Marlins called up pitcher Darren McCaughan from Triple-A Jacksonville for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. McCaughan was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in May and is 5-3 with a 5.43 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 14 starts with 70 strikeouts and 24 walks in 68 innings. He has not pitched in the majors since making five appearances with the Seattle Mariners in the 2021 and 2023 seasons. The Marlins optioned pitcher Shaun Anderson to Triple-A Jacksonville after he made three appearances with a 0-2 record and 10.97 ERA and 2.34 WHIP in 10 2/3 innings. There is little fantasy impact involved with either move.

The Cleveland Guardians acquired right-hander Darren McCaughan from the Miami Marlins on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations. The move comes after the Marlins designated McCaughan for assignment after he allowed eight earned runs on nine hits (three home runs) while walking three and striking out only two in 4 2/3 innings against the Oakland Athletics in his lone appearance on Saturday. The 28-year-old will now give the Guardians both starting and relieving depth in the minors after they sent him to Triple-A Columbus. McCaughan has a 9.16 career ERA (8.65 FIP) and 1.82 WHIP with 10 walks and 14 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings over six appearances (one start) in his three years in the big leagues. He remains far off the fantasy radar.

The Miami Marlins have acquired right-handed pitcher Darren McCaughan from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. To make room for McCaughan on the 40-man roster, Miami designated outfielder Peyton Burdick for assignment. McCaughan, who will be 28 years old when the 2024 regular season begins, showed promise through limited major league action last year. Over the course of five innings, he struck out 10 batters while posting a 2.71 xFIP and 64.3 GB%. Although this was a small sample size, McCaughan has shown that he can be a contributor out of the bullpen. On the other hand, Burdick, who was designated for assignment, has struggled at all levels of pro ball, posting high strikeout rates, low OPS totals, and poor defensive metrics. He isn't expected to make an impact at the big-league level anytime soon, regardless of whether he remains with the Marlins or joins another organization.