The Rays claimed Brandon Allen off waivers from the Athletics two days ago, improving their bench with some left-handed power. Most waiver claims have little impact, but every so often a team will dig up a useful piece. With some help from our Transaction Tracker, here's a list of players who have been claimed off waivers since the start of the offseason and are now contributing to their new team at the big league level…
- Darren O'Day, Orioles – 1.29 ERA in seven relief innings since being claimed from the Rangers.
- Alfredo Simon, Reds – 4.26 ERA in 6 1/3 relief innings since being claimed from the Orioles.
- Cody Eppley, Yankees – Allowed a single to only batter he's faced since being claimed from the Rangers.
- Justin Maxwell, Astros – Hitting .200/.250/.400 with one homer in 16 plate appearances since being claimed from the Yankees.
- Clete Thomas, Twins — Hitting .231/.286/.538 with one homer in 14 plate appearances since being claimed from the Tigers.
Brian Bixler had one hit and one walk in seven plate appearances with the Astros after being claimed from the Nationals, but he's since been removed from the 40-man roster and assigned to Triple-A.
Other than O’Day, it would be accurate to say that the others on the above list have been busts with their new team and have been no help at all, “contributing” nothing more than replacement value.
So what’s the point of this article? Was it computer-generated or prepared by someone who has no idea that a 4.26 ERA for a relief pitcher is not good?
Better than Eppley’s infinitely helpful infinite WHIP
I will be very surprised if Valbuena and Cardenas do not contribute at Chicago this year.
How is Alfredo Simon “Helping” the Cincinnati Reds? He’s been horrible and has even cost them a game or two. It should be “Players claimed off waivers who are helping the opposing teams”