In the weeks leading up to Opening Day of the 2018 season, it was readily apparent the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a difficult situation in regards to Trayce Thompson. Out of Minor League options, the outfielder needed to make the active roster or be exposed to waivers.
Although there were whispers the Dodgers made Thompson available in trade talks, the clock struck midnight on Tuesday when he was designated for assignment. It was a corresponding move to the Dodgers claiming Cory Mazzoni off waivers from the Chicago Cubs.
The right-handed reliever was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster and immediately optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. But now it appears the 28-year-old has returned to the Cubs on his second waiver claim of the week, per Chris Cotillo of SB Nation:
Cubs have re-claimed Cory Mazzoni from the Dodgers just days after LA claimed him from Chicago.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 30, 2018
Mazzoni appeared in eight games for the Cubs this spring, allowing 12 runs (nine earned) in 8.2 innings, amounting to a 9.35 ERA. He pitched to a 2.08 WHIP in those appearances and allowed opponents to bat .375.
Mazzoni, who was a second-round draft pick of the New York Mets in 2011, was initially claimed off waivers by the Cubs last November. He made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2015, and appeared in a combined 14 games during parts of that season and 2017.
Mazzoni struggled in his brief time in the Majors, pitching to a 17.28 ERA and 2.94 WHIP. He went 1-0 with a 0.89 ERA in 14 games for Triple-A El Paso last season.
