2026 Transactions: Brewers Recall Drohan, White Sox Claim Nikhazy

Milwaukee’s bullpen gained a fresh left-handed weapon on April 6, when the Brewers recalled Shane Drohan from Triple-A Nashville. The move sets the stage for the 27-year-old’s long-awaited major-league debut; although selected by Chicago in the 2023 Rule 5 draft, Drohan never appeared with the White Sox and was returned to Boston in June 2024. Milwaukee quietly acquired him last season in exchange for infielder Caleb Durbin, and the southpaw responded with a dominant 2025 campaign that was shortened only by minor forearm tightness. According to club evaluations, his fastball ranked among the top three swing-and-miss heaters in Triple-A last year, and he opened 2026 by striking out six batters in 3.1 innings during his lone Sounds start.

While the Brewers are adding velocity and deception, the White Sox are taking a calculated gamble on pedigree, claiming left-hander Doug Nikhazy off waivers from Cleveland. The 2021 second-round pick made his MLB debut in 2025 but struggled to keep the ball in the yard, allowing 15 home runs across 86 innings. Scouts still praise the ride and cut on his four-seam fastball and the depth of his secondary arsenal, giving Chicago hope that a change of scenery—and a more pitcher-friendly home park—can unlock his strikeout upside.

Elsewhere on Monday, Houston designated reliever Roddery Munoz for assignment after the Rule 5 pickup issued six walks and surrendered three homers in four big-league innings this season. The Astros also optioned infielder Shay Whitcomb to Sugar Land, while the Blue Jays reversed course on Austin Voth—designated for assignment barely 24 hours after he was added from Triple-A. Toronto replaced Voth by selecting the contract of lefty Josh Fleming.

A host of players returned from temporary leave: Isaac Paredes (bereavement) and Garrett Whitlock (paternity) were reinstated, giving their clubs roster flexibility heading into the season’s second week. On the farm, Boston’s Tyler Uberstine, Kansas City’s Nick Loftin, Tampa Bay’s Carson Williams, Chicago’s Javier Assad, Baltimore’s Brandon Young, New York’s Ronny Mauricio and Miami’s Ryan Gusto were among those optioned or recalled as franchises fine-tune depth for the long summer ahead.