When the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a three-team trade with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox in December 2015, the focal point of their haul was pitching prospect Frankie Montas. But it was versatile outfielder Trayce Thompson who made an immediate impact with the club.
A strong showing in 2016 Spring Training and Andre Ethier’s injury led to Thompson making the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. He swung the bat well through May of that season, hitting .266/.333/.514 with six doubles, seven home runs and 19 RBI.
But Thompson suffered what was later discovered to be multiple fractured vertebrae in his back, and he didn’t play after July 10. Ultimately, the complex injury derailed his time with the organization.
Thompson was eased into Spring Training last year and never quite found his footing. He began the season a combined 0-for-38 with the Dodgers and Triple-A Oklahoma City. This year brought about some hope but also the reality of a roster crunch.
Thompson was out of Minor League options and therefore needed to be included on the Opening Day roster or exposed to waivers. The Dodgers’ depth at outfield, coupled with a modest showing in Spring Training, led to Thompson being designated for assignment.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, the 27-year-old had a strong sense of what his fate would be:
“To me, the writing was just on the wall from the beginning,” Thompson said. “I always thought (Oakland) could be a spot for me. Ever since Marcus (Semien) got here, I thought they were kind of looking at me too.”
Thompson was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees, who in turn attempted to pass him through waivers. The Oakland Athletics then pounced with their own waiver claim.
Thompson has only appeared in one game for Oakland (as a pinch-hitter). Wednesday represents a final opportunity this season to potentially face his former team.
Thompson hit .207/.287/.407 with 13 doubles, 14 home runs and 34 RBI in 107 games over parts of two seasons with the Dodgers.
