MLB Rumors Roundup: Aaron Sanchez To Minors, Gomez To Start For Rangers & More

The MLB hot stove has cooled off now that the non-waiver trade deadline has passed. However, there are still some rumblings around the MLB, especially with waiver trade deadline of August 31st approaching. With that in mind, here are all the latest MLB rumors and news you need to know. 

Blue Jays send Sanchez to minors
Aaron Sanchez has been one of the best starting pitchers in the American League this season, but he's on his way to Single-A, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet:

#BlueJays correct that Aaron Sanchez is heading to single-A Dunedin rather than triple-A Buffalo.

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 21, 2016

Aaron Sanchez says demotion was planned. Next start expected to be Aug. 31 in Baltimore. #BlueJays

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 21, 2016

Ross Atkins says Aaron Sanchez unlikely to appear in Dunedin games other work continues as normal. #BlueJays to roll 6-man when he returns

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 21, 2016

The 24-year-old Sanchez is on a 220 innings limit this season, and president of baseball operations Mark Shapiro said there's "no scenario" where they will let him go over that limit. Toronto has been utilizing a six-man rotation to help preserve him for the playoffs.

Sanchez is 12-2 with a 2.99 ERA with 156.1 innings pitched in 24 appearances this season. 

Gomez to be everyday starter for Rangers
The Texas Rangers won the Carlos Gomez sweepstakes, signing the struggling outfielder this weekend after he was released by the Astros. Gomez will report to Triple-A, but Texas plans to bring him to the majors next week and will start him as their everyday left-fielder, according to Jeff Wilson of Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Carlos Gomez will be #Rangers' everyday left fielder, manager Jeff Banister says.

— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) August 21, 2016

Gomez batted .210 with five homers and 29 RBIs before being designated for assignment by Houston.

Phillies won't trade Ryan Howard?
It appears that the Phillies won't be trading first baseman Ryan Howard. Since July 1st, Howard is hitting a robust .338 with eight homers, but MLB.com reports Howard will stay in Philly. 

But Howard, despite his recent play, is expected to finish the season with the Phillies. The Phillies might see more value in having the iconic first baseman finish the year with them and continue to mentor the team's young players than give him to a contender for a minuscule return.

That said, the Phillies are expected to exercise the $10 million buyout on Howard's $25 million club option for next season.

Howard is 36 years old and will be 37 in November. Once he plays his final game for the Phillies, there's a chance he won't play again in the NFL.