The New York Yankees claimed former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson off waivers on Tuesday. Thompson went into Spring Training this year out of Minor League options and facing an uphill battle to make the Dodgers Opening Day roster.
After a relatively modest showing in spring, Thompson was designated for assignment. Tuesday marked the final day he was on waivers before potentially going unclaimed and remaining in the organization.
Thompson’s career with the Dodgers got off to a promising start, as in the first half of the 2016 season he slugged 13 home runs in 80 games. He went down with a season-ending back injury that year though that also affected him greatly throughout 2017.
He opened that season a combined 0-for-38 between Triple-A Oklahoma City and the Majors.
Thompson went 12-for-47 (.255 batting average) in 20 Spring Training games this year, but with the addition of Matt Kemp into the mix and Chris Taylor remaining in center field, there was just no room for Thompson on the Major League roster.
The Yankees were in need of an outfielder early in the season with Aaron Hicks, Jacoby Ellsbury and Billy McKinney all going on the disabled list, so Thompson could get an opportunity to get some everyday at-bats in New York while they are on the shelf.
