(8/12/2009)Billy Traber has accepted his outright assignment to the minor leagues. He had been designated for assignment.
Red Sox call up Tazawa, DFA Traber
(8/7/2009) The Boston Red Sox have called up Japanese SP Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A. To make room, RP Billy Traber was designated for assignment.
BoSox call Traber for RP depth
(8/5/2009) The Red Sox sent outfield prospect Josh Reddick back to the minor leagues to get regular at-bats and because they needed an arm after a long extra-inning game Tuesday. Lefty journeyman Billy Traber was recalled to the major leagues.
Red Sox option Tazawa, Bowden
(3/22/2009) SP Junichi Tazawa was optioned to Double-A Portland on Sunday by the Boston Red Sox, who also optioned SP Michael Bowden to Triple-A Pawtucket. Reassigned to minor league camp were RP Marcus McBeth and RP Bill Traber.
Red Sox give Traber minor deal
(12/3/2008) The Boston Red Sox pitcher Billy Traber signed to a minor league contract Tuesday.
Yankees send Traber back to minors
(8/23/2008) The Yankees optioned RP Billy Traber to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday to clear room for SP Carl Pavano.
Traber back with Yankees
(8/10/2008) LoHud.com reports that RP Billy Traber is back up with the Yankees. There is no news yet about who has been sent down to make room for him.
Left out: Traber sent down
(7/19/2008)Billy Traber was optioned to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre Friday night to make room for 1B Richie Sexson.
Traber recalled by Yankees
(7/4/2008) Lefty reliever Billy Traber was recalled from Scranton-Wilkes Barre on Friday by the New York Yankees, who optioned infielder Alberto Gonzalez to the Triple-A team.
Traber sent down by Yankees
(6/24/2008) The Yankees optioned left-hander Billy Traber to Triple-A on Tuesday.
Traber called up in Wang's stead
(6/17/2008) With Yankees SP Chien-Ming Wang expected to be sidelined until at least September after injuring his foot running the bases Sunday in Houston and being placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, the Yankees recalled reliever Billy Traber from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Traber was available for Tuesday night's interleague game against San Diego, giving the Yankees a left-hander in the bullpen for the first time in a while.
Traber sent down to Triple-A
(4/26/2008)Shelley Duncan was recalled from the minor leagues and started in right field Saturday for the New York Yankees, who sent left-handed reliever Billy Traber back to Triple-A before facing the Cleveland Indians.
Traber strikes out one Thursday
(4/4/2008)Billy Traber struck out Lyle Overbay in the seventh inning against Toronto Thursday, successfully making his Yankee debut as the left-handed specialist.
Traber makes case for bullpen spot
(3/26/2008)Billy Traber made a strong case to be the left-hander out of the Yankees' bullpen in Wednesday's 4-0 loss to the Phillies. He retired left-handed hitting Chase Utley on a fly ball and struck out Ryan Howard.
Traber likely a lefty specialist
(3/20/2008) The N.Y. Daily News reports that Billy Traber appears to be close to locking down the lefty specialist bullpen job for the Yankees.
Traber closing in on bullpen role
(3/17/2008) According to MLB.com, Yankees RP Billy Traber, recently added to the 40-man roster, is the favorite to open the season as the team's lone lefty in the bullpen. "He's in the mix," Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland said. "Does he have the team made yet? I think that's kind of premature, but he's right in the thick of it."
Billy Traber added to Yanks roster
(3/15/2008) Yankees LHP Billy Traber was added to the 40-man roster on Saturday.
Yankees weight their LH RP options
(2/27/2008)Sean Henn, Billy Traber and possibly Kei Igawa are potential left-handed reliever for the Yankees, who almost might look into 33-year-old Damaso Marte, a free agent following the season. Henn is out of options.
Traber tries to earn bullpen spot
(2/25/2008) The N.Y. Daily News reports that several lefthanders will have a shot at capturing a job in the bullpen over the next five weeks. Manager Joe Girardi is looking for lefty specialists, but he also needs a player that can get right-handers out also. "I think it's important to have one, but if that's not one of your best arms, you're just not going to take one to take one," Girardi said. "You want one or two of them to step up and be one of the best arms you take March 31. It's always nice to have a lefthander." Kei Igawa, Sean Henn, Chase Wright, Billy Traber and Hath Phillips are battling for bullpen jobs.
(12/5/2007) Washington released lefty pitchers Billy Traber and Justin Jones on Wednesday. Traber went 2-2 with a 4.76 ERA in 39 2/3 innings in 2007. He even made two starts in late July.
Nationals cut lefty Jones
(12/5/2007) Washington released lefty pitchers Billy Traber and Justin Jones on Wednesday. Nationals GM Jim Bowden said Jones, who was 11-8 with a 3.72 ERA in Class A and Double-A last year, blew out his knee playing basketball and would have missed the 2008 season anyway.
Traber sent down by Nationals
(8/13/2007) The Nationals sent lefty Billy Traber to the minor leagues Sunday.
Traber better in bullpen
(7/30/2007)The Sports Xchange notes: LHP Billy Traber struggled in his latest attempt at starting, allowing five runs in 3 2/3 innings Sunday against the Mets. In 28 career starts, Traber is 7-13 with a 6.32 ERA. In 46 relief outings, however, he is 5-1 with a 3.49 ERA. The Nationals plan to move him back to the bullpen for the foreseeable future. "We appreciate what he has done, but I think you guys know how I feel about him," manager Manny Acta said. "I think he's better suited to pitch out of the pen as a left-handed specialist."
Traber not lasting too long
(7/30/2007) LHP Billy Traber has lasted a combined 7 2/3 innings in his two starts since moving to the starting rotation from the bullpen. Traber (2-2) was ineffective in his second start of the year, allowing five runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings on Saturday against the Mets.
(7/29/2007) John Maine shut down Washington, David Wright drove in two runs and the New York Mets salvaged a four-game split with a 5-0 victory over the Nationals on Sunday that was shortened to 4 1/2 innings by rain. Nationals SP Billy Traber (2-2) was ineffective in his second start of the year, allowing five runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. He left after walking Lastings Milledge, and David Wright greeted reliever Chris Schroder with an RBI single, scoring Ruben Gotay for the Mets' final run. Traber also walked two and struck out three.
Traber awarded another start
(7/21/2007) Nationals P Billy Traber will get another start, manager Manny Acta said Saturday. Traber (2-1, 4.20 ERA) took the loss as a fill-in starter on Friday against Colorado after allowing two runs, one earned, and three hits in four innings. Because the Nationals don't play Monday, Traber likely won't start until next weekend's series against the New York Mets.
Traber loses in spot start
(7/20/2007) Nationals SP Billy Traber started for Washington on short notice Friday against the Rockies and took the loss. He filled in for right-hander Jason Simontacchi, who was scratched on Thursday due to right elbow tendinitis. Traber allowed two runs, one earned, and a walk in four innings. He did not record a strikeout.
Traber called on for start
(7/19/2007) Nationals SP Jason Simontacchi (right elbow tendinitis) will miss his scheduled start Friday against the Rockies. Billy Traber will fill in, making his first start since Sept. 11, 2006.
Traber to pitch out of bullpen
(5/17/2007) Lefty Micah Bowie, who will get some starts, will be replaced in the bullpen by left-hander Billy Traber, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday. "Traber, at the end of the season last year, did a good job coming out of the bullpen," manager Manny Acta said. "Also, he is very resilient. He is able to pitch almost every day if he has to. We see him in the future as a situational lefty."
Traber called up by Nationals
(5/16/2007) The Nationals put right-hander Jerome Williams back on the 15-day DL on Wednesday after one start and selected left-hander Billy Traber's contract from Triple-A Columbus.
Van Buren, Traber off 40-man
(3/25/2007) Right-hander Jermaine Van Buren and left-hander Billy Traber cleared waivers and were assigned outright to Triple-A Columbus.
Nationals make some minor cuts
(3/22/2007) The Nationals optioned LHP Billy Traber to Triple-A Columbus, outrighted OF Michael Restovich and 2B Bernie Castro to Columbus and reassigned RHP Josh Hall to minor-league camp.
Nats tender contracts to returnees
(2/7/2007) The Nationals signed RHPs Jason Bergmann, Emiliano Fruto, Jon Rauch, Saul Rivera, Ryan Wagner, LHPs Micah Bowie and Billy Traber to one-year contracts.
Nats' Traber back to bullpen
(9/17/2006) Manager Frank Robinson said LHP Michael O'Connor will start Sunday against Milwaukee, taking the spot of Billy Traber, who will move to the bullpen. The Nationals also set the rotation for next week's series against the Atlanta Braves. Tony Armas will start Monday, followed by Beltran Perez on Tuesday and Ramon Ortiz on Wednesday.
Traber goes only three innings
(9/12/2006) Billy Traber allowed four earned runs on eight hits in only three innings at Arizona Monday. He did not factor into the decision, however.
Traber out of the rotation
(9/5/2006) Rookie Mike O'Connor was recalled by the Washington Nationals and is to start Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. O'Connor's return means Billy Traber is being dropped from the rotation. Traber is 3-3 with a 7.36 ERA.
Traber gives up four runs
(9/2/2006) Billy Traber started against Arizona Saturday and he allowed four runs and 10 hits in four-plus innings.
Traber to start Saturday now
(9/1/2006) The game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals was postponed Friday because of rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The game will be made up Saturday as part of a day-night doubleheader. The scheduled starting pitchers for Friday, Washington's Billy Traber and Arizona's Miguel Batista, will start the first game.
Billy Traber takes loss
(8/27/2006) Billy Traber couldn't hold a 3-0, first-inning lead on Sunday at Atlanta. He gave up two runs in the bottom of the first and was knocked out in the third. Traber (3-3) gave up eight hits and eight runs, one day after Pedro Astacio gave up eight hits and six runs in 2 2/3 innings.
Billy Traber takes loss
(8/22/2006) Billy Traber (3-2) gave up three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings in a loss on Monday at Florida. He struck out seven and walked two for Washington, which has lost three straight. "We made some bad pitches when we should have made some good pitches and they capitalized on them," Traber said. "That was the difference maker."
Traber picks up victory
(8/17/2006) Washington starter Billy Traber earned his second consecutive victory despite allowing five runs -- four earned -- over 5 2/3 innings on Wednesday vs. Atlanta. He gave up six hits and one walk and hit two batters.
Nats' Traber looks like new man
(8/12/2006) Just back up from the minors, Billy Traber (2-1) allowed Paul Lo Duca's first homer since May 13 in the first inning and then settled down to earn his eighth career major league win. "Let them hit the ball," he said. "I can't really be scared of contact. That's the only way I'm going to go deep into a game. All I want to do is chew up innings." He stayed ahead of hitters and kept his pitch count low Friday vs. the Mets, needing only 81 to get through seven innings -- his combined total for two starts in April. "More than what we expected. Exactly what I needed," manager Frank Robinson said. "He took me where I didn't think he'd be able to take me tonight. It was just a great effort on his part." The fans gave Traber a standing ovation, but he didn't acknowledge it, running to the dugout with his head down.
Nats move Traber up to Friday
(8/9/2006) Washington hasn't decided which minor-leaguer will come up to fill in the fifth spot in the rotation -- perhaps Michael O'Connor. LHP Billy Traber, who was slated to start Saturday, will instead pitch Friday.
Traber to start vs. Mets
(8/7/2006) LHP Billy Traber was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday, and he is penciled in to start Saturday against the Mets at RFK Stadium.
Nats bring up LHP Traber again
(8/6/2006) The Nationals recalled LHP Billy Traber from Triple-A New Orleans. Shawn Hill (15-day DL: elbow) is not ready.
Traber optioned, loses start No. 2
(4/26/2006) Left-hander Billy Traber was optioned back to Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday after lasting 1 1/3 innings in his second start for the Nationals, who called up right-handed reliever Jason Bergmann. Seven of the 11 batters Traber (1-1, 9.00 ERA) faced Tuesday night reached base in Washington's 6-5 loss to Cincinnati. He was charged with four earned runs. Traber was in the majors less than a week. Against Philadelphia on April 20, he gave up two hits in 5 2/3 innings in his first start in the majors in more than 2 1/2 years.
Not this time for Traber
(4/26/2006) Billy Traber allowed four earned runs, four hits and two walks in just 1 1/3 innings against the Reds in Tuesday's start, as he could not carry over the momentum from his successful start last Thursday at Philadelphia. "We needed him to give us innings," manager Frank Robinson said. "You can't let the game get out of hand to where you have no chance."
Traber shuts down Phillies
(4/21/2006) LHP Billy Traber pitched Thursday in his first major league game since 2003 and managed to walk away with a win. Traber, who underwent elbow ligament replacement surgery following his 2003 season with the Indians, allowed just two hits over 5 2/3 innings, perhaps earning himself a long-term place in Washington's rotation. "He doesn't have to go out there and prove anything or top anything," manager Frank Robinson said. "What I saw tonight is good enough to be successful up here."
Traber to pitch at Philly
(4/20/2006) LHP Billy Traber was promoted from Triple-A New Orleans and will start Thursday's series finale against the Phillies. Traber, who went 6-9 with a 5.24 ERA in 33 appearances for the Indians in 2003, has not pitched in the major leagues since. He signed with Washington over the winter, though, and impressed the club during spring training. In two starts at New Orleans, Traber posted a 2.45 ERA, earning him the rotation spot that opened when RHP Ryan Drese went on the disabled list with an elbow injury. To make room for him on the roster, the Nationals optioned RHP Saul Rivera to New Orleans.
(4/18/2006) RHP John Patterson asked to be pushed back a day in the rotation, so he'll now start Friday against the Braves at RFK Stadium instead of Thursday in Philadelphia. The Nationals likely will call up LHP Billy Traber from Triple-A New Orleans to pitch the series finale against the Phillies.
Traber not starting vs. Houston
(4/4/2006) MLB.com reports that Ryan Drese, not Billy Traber, will start in place of Pedro Astacio (forearm) on Sunday. Drese, who is currently on the DL himself, is able to be activated in time for the game. Drese tossed 80 pitches in a session on Monday.
Traber candidate to start April 9
(4/2/2006) The Nationals had to put Pedro Astacio (forearm) on the DL, so they will need someone to take the turn in the No. 5 spot when it's first needed Sunday, April 9. Reports are Ryan Drese (shoulder) can come off the DL in time to make that start, or they will dip into the minors for former No. 1 pick Billy Traber to make that start.
Nats option Traber to Triple-A
(3/24/2006) The Nationals optioned LHP Billy Traber to Triple-A New Orleans of the PCL.
Traber tagged for six runs
(3/20/2006) LHP Billy Traber was tagged for six runs (two earned) in four innings Sunday against the Dodgers, but that hasn't changed the Nationals' feelings about the left-hander. Traber, signed as a free agent quietly over the winter, has impressed club officials this spring.
Traber strikes out four
(3/10/2006) Former Indians left-hander Billy Traber allowed only one hit over four innings, striking out four against Philadelphia Thursday. Traber will always be remembered by Cleveland fans for his one-hit shutout of the Yankees in 2003. Two months later, however, he had reconstructive elbow surgery.
Traber in mix for Nats' rotation
(2/28/2006) The Nationals have only two spots set in their starting rotation. Livan Hernandez and John Patterson are Nos. 1 and 2, while Tony Armas Jr., Ramon Ortiz, Jon Rauch, Ryan Drese and Billy Traber are among those battling for the final three spots. Pedro Astacio has also agreed to a deal with the Nats, pending a physical.
Traber moves up
(4/29/2005) The Akron Beacon Journal reports that Billy Traber (Tommy John elbow surgery) has been promoted from Class A Kinston to Double-A Akron Thursday.
Traber working his way back
(4/11/2005) Billy Traber (elbow surgery) allowed one run in six innings in his first minor-league start for Class A Kinston on Sunday.
Billy Traber works an inning
(3/6/2005) Traber (Tommy John surgery) tossed one inning in Sunday's spring game against the Tigers. He allowed one earned run and two hits while striking out one batter.
Traber back in Indians system
(12/23/2004) The Indians signed Billy Traber to a minor-league contract on Wednesday and invited him to spring training.
Traber signs minor-league deal
(12/21/2004) The Red Sox signed Billy Traber to a minor-league contract on Tuesday.
Traber picked up by Red Sox
(11/12/2004) Boston claimed Billy Traber off of Cleveland's waivers Wednesday.
Traber's rehab progresses
(11/8/2004) The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Billy Traber (elbow) threw bullpen sessions in the Florida Instructional League in early November.
Traber late for spring training?
(9/16/2004) Billy Traber (Tommy John surgery) is no sure bet to be ready in time for spring training, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He has not gotten the results in rehabilitating that the doctors wanted," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. "Pitching in the Instructional League will give us a better feel as to his progress."
Traber throws off a mound
(8/10/2004) The Akron Beacon Journal notes that Billy Traber (elbow) threw off a mound Monday and reported no problems. "Billy threw 35 pitches, fastballs, and change-ups, and we are encouraged by his progress," said head trainer Lonnie Soloff. "He will stay in Akron to do his rehab program for the rest of the season."
Traber goes on 60-day DL
(3/18/2004) The Akron Beacon Journal reports that Bill Traber (elbow) was placed on the 60-day disabled list Wednesday.
Traber's surgery set for Monday
(9/25/2003) Billy Traber's Tommy John surgery has been scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. He will be sidelined for at least nine months.
Traber to have Tommy John surgery
(9/19/2003) Billy Traber will undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. He will not be able to pitch for at least nine months, and could miss next season entirely. "I've always had a problem there," Traber said. "I think it finally caught up with me."
Traber could be shut down
(9/18/2003) The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Billy Traber will pitch a bullpen session on Thursday. Indians manager Eric Wedge will then determine if he should shut Traber down for the season. "I think a lot of guys are tired at this time of the year," said Wedge. "Billy does a lot of work between starts. He doesn't need to work harder, he needs to work smarter."
Traber has start pushed back
(9/11/2003) Billy Traber will make his next start on Tuesday against the Royals. C.C. Sabathia (food poisoning) will pitch on Friday against the Twins in his place.
Traber scratched from start
(7/21/2003) Billy Traber was replaced in the rotation on Monday by Brian Tallet. Manager Eric Wedge told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Traber is healthy, but "we've gone out of our way this year to protect our young starters. Billy has thrown over 100 pitches in his last two starts and we want to give him a rest."
Billy Traber one-hits Yankees
(7/8/2003) Traber pitched a complete game one-hitter on Tuesday against the Yankees, facing one batter over the minimum. He did not walk a batter and retired the last 21 men he faced.
Traber pitches well
(6/28/2003) Billy Traber threw seven scoreless innings against Cincinnati on Friday. He allowed only five hits with five strikeouts.
Traber survives Coors Field outing
(6/5/2003) Billy Traber allowed two runs on five hits and two walks in four innings Tuesday in Colorado. He was lifted early in the game because he had already reached manager Eric Wedge's 70-pitch limit. "I threw too many pitches early," said Traber. "I was my own worst enemy."
(5/29/2003) Billy Traber will join the Indians' rotation and take over injured Jason Bere's spot, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "We envisioned him at some point in time getting to start," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "But you can never make promises, because you don't know what's going to happen."
Traber to start for Indians?
(5/28/2003) Billy Traber, who pitched three innings in relief of injured Jason Bere Tuesday in Detroit, might take Bere's spot in the rotation, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "Billy Traber definitely is a candidate," Indians manager Eric Wedge said.
Traber denies Texas on Friday
(5/2/2003) Billy Traber pitched up to his capabilities on Friday night. He pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit. He did not walk a batter and struck out five, after relieving Jason Davis in the fifth inning.
Billy Traber might start
(4/5/2003) Traber might be called on to start if C.C. Sabathia (forearm) is placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Billy Traber makes debut Friday
(4/5/2003) Traber made his major league debut on Friday. He threw three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and three walks. "Traber was very impressive for his first time out there," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "I think once he got comfortable he did an outstanding job running through those three innings."
Traber benefits from injury
(3/27/2003) Billy Traber might be the main beneficiary of a quadriceps injury suffered by Aaron Myette. Traber and Myette have been battling for the final spot in the Cleveland bullpen. Myette is expected to start the season on the disabled list, opening the door for the young Traber.
Traber sent to the pen
(3/17/2003) The Cleveland Plain Dealer says Billy Traber will open the season as a reliever. Jason T. Davis was named the fifth starter.
(8/14/2002) According to The Plain Dealer, the Indians might use top prospects Traber, Cliff Lee, Brian Tallet and Lance Caraccioli out of the bullpen if they get promoted when rosters expand in September. "All those guys are reaching a threshold for innings pitched," said general manager Mark Shapiro. "Lee is starting to wear down. He's close to pitching the most innings he has ever thrown in a season. That's why they could start in the bullpen if they get called up." All four players are decent pitchers in AL-only keeper leagues, but they are unlikely to have any Fantasy value this year unless Cleveland uses them in a starting role.
