News and notes

Pitcher Blake Parker (AAA Cubs) has been released, although Cubs radio broadcaster Randy Wehofer said he “never received anything official” from the team. Parker, who was placed on the disabled list April 19 with a strained right forearm, was designated for assignment May 5. “Word from some of the players is he agreed to the release and has several offers from teams, but can’t sign a new contract until he is healthy enough to pass a physical,” Wehofer said. Parker continues to undergo rehabilitation in Arizona.

First baseman Andy Wilkins (AAA Dodgers) has struggled in his first two weeks in Oklahoma City, but team officials have had nothing but positive things to say about Wilkins. “The new Dodgers front office has preached depth as a top priority,” Alex Freedman, Oklahoma City’s director of broadcasting, said earlier this week. “They’ve made a lot of waiver claims and traded for guys like Wilkins who were designated for assignment. They want the best 40 guys available for their roster and that 40th spot has been a bit of a revolving door.” Wilkins is hitting .053 in 7 games for Oklahoma City, with 1 hit in 19 at-bats through Thursday’s game at New Orleans (AAA Marlins), but the team was impressed enough to release first baseman Mike Carp to make room for Wilkins on the roster. “I don’t think that was a knock against Carp, but Freedman said.

Pitcher Andy Ferguson (AAA Royals) was promoted to Omaha from Class AA Northwest Arkansas by the Kansas City Royals’ on Wednesday. Ferguson was 4-0 with an 0.85 ERA in 6 appearances for the Naturals, the last one coming in a victory over the Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock on May 10. He took the loss in his debut Friday at Round Rock (AAA Rangers), allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts in 6 innings as the Storm Chasers lost 3-1.

Outfielder Jonathan Davis (high-A Blue Jays) was promoted to Dunedin, Fla., from Class A Lansing, Mich., on Friday. Davis, who hit .408 in 13 games for the Lugnuts, went 1 for 4 in his debut for Friday. He replaces OF Ian Parmley, who was promoted to Class AA New Hampshire on Thursday, according to Dunedin radio broadcaster Marshall Kelner.

Outfielder Forrestt Allday (high-A Red Sox) was placed on the disabled list May 7 with an undisclosed injury. Allday got a hit in his only at-bat when he last played May 6 at Myrtle Beach and was injured trying to steal second base during that game, according to Kevin Burke, Salem’s director of broadcasting and media relations. He was batting .357 through the team’s first 16 games.