Dodgers, Dunn, and the Waiver Rules

Adam Dunn Claimed Off Waivers By “Mystery” Team

No one has said for sure what team has claimed Adam Dunn off waivers. People have speculated that it was the Dodgers that put in the claim, only to block teams like Phillies, Padres, and the Giants.

However, I see it a little different. The Dodgers obviously wanted to make the team better and did so before the July 31st trade deadline. However, with Manny’s comeback uncertain; the Dodgers can’t afford to sit back and wait for offense.

What We Know About Waiver Rules:

• If a player is claimed by more than one team, the club with the worst record in that player’s league gets priority — and the player can be traded only to that team.
• If a player is claimed only by teams in the other league, the club with the worst record in the other league gets priority — and the player can be traded just to that team.
• If a deal can’t be worked out or the team doesn’t want to trade that player, he can be pulled back off waivers once in August. If he is placed on waivers again before September, he can’t be recalled a second time.
• Or, if a team is just hoping to dump a player’s salary, it can simply allow a team which claimed that player to have him for a small waiver fee. If that happens, the team that gets the player has to pay his entire salary.