Dodgers News: Oakland A’s Claim Nick ‘Chili’ Buss Off Waivers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been making roster moves throughout the week as they have been plagued by injured starters and have been looking to improve their catching unit. Most recently, the organization optioned reliever Jose Dominguez in order to make room for Stephen Fife, who started in Sunday’s game.
During today’s game against the Marlins, Nick ‘Chili’ Buss was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics according to Jane Lee of MLB.com:
The A's have claimed outfielder Nick Buss off waivers from the Dodgers.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) May 4, 2014
Buss was originally designated for assignment on Wednesday in order to make room for Red Patterson on the 40-man roster for the starter’s MLB debut on Thursday. The Albuquerque starter was needed for game two of a doubleheader and fared decently in a no-decision against the Minnesota Twins. In placing Buss on waivers, there existed the risk another team would claim the outfielder.
Buss was originally drafted in the eight round by the Dodgers in 2008. Last season, the 27-year-old earned Triple-A All-Star honors by batting .303 with the Isotopes with 17 home runs and a league-high 100 RBIs. Buss played in eight games with the Dodgers last season, but had an underwhelming .105 batting average. Going into Spring Training this year on a team with four high-caliber outfielders to go along with Scott Van Slyke and top prospect Joc Pederson, the likelihood that Buss would gain the desired major league experience was slim.
Being claimed by the A’s could wind up being a beneficial move for Buss. As the Dodgers cleared up a spot on their roster by removing one of their many outfielders, the Athletics will see what the outfielder can do as he looks to prove himself by joining their Triple-A team. With pitcher A.J. Griffin moved to the 60-day disabled list, Buss earns a spot on the A’s 40-man roster.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dodgers Nation Interview: Corey Seager Talks Hitting And Goals For This Season
