MLB in brief: Brian Serven in Toronto | Sean Doolittle hired by the Nationals

Brian Serven in Toronto

He was claimed off waivers to provide depth behind Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk.

Tea #BlueJays announce they've claimed catcher Brian Serven from the Cubs.

Serven, 28, was DFA'd recently. More catching depth behind Jansen and Kirk with Heineman gone.

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) January 16, 2024

Interest in Yuli Gurriel

Will he find work?

Kendall Graveman will not pitch in 2024

The Astros reliever had surgery on his right shoulder.

Kendall Graveman underwent right shoulder surgery last week and will miss the 2024 season, the Astros announced.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) January 16, 2024

The Pete Alonso situation

His chances of staying in New York long-term may be good, but there's work to do between now and then.

Happy birthday, Albert Pujols

He is 44 years old.

The Orioles Academy in the Dominican Republic is magnificent

It is very beautiful. Really.

The Mets want to make the playoffs

That's what David Stearns wants, anyway.

“We should be building a team that has the ability to make the playoffs and that's certainly our expectation for our team. I believe we'll be able to meet that expectation.”

David Stearns sits down with @martinonyc Let's put on Hot Stove tonight on SNY.

⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📺 SNY pic.twitter.com/LAlVUzo0d6

— SNY (@SNYtv) January 16, 2024

Sean Doolittle returns to Washington

He will serve as pitching strategist.