The Los Angeles Dodgers spent multiple seasons attempting to work with Yasiel Puig and at times overlook whatever actions may have disrupted the clubhouse and/or caused a distraction. However, the organization seemingly reached wit’s end this August.
After failing to trade Puig prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline, the Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. It was the first time in Puig’s career he was sent to the Minors since making his Major League debut in June 2013.
Since the demotion, the Dodgers have largely remained noncommittal on the status of Puig’s future with the club.
While Los Angeles wasn’t able to move him ahead of the non-waiver deadline, Puig was essentially replaced in right field by Josh Reddick.
Now, it appears the wheels are in motion to bring an end to Puig’s tenure with the Dodgers. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the team placed the 25-year-old outfielder on trade waivers:
Source: #Dodgers placed Puig on trade waivers today.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 28, 2016
The timing of the move hardly comes as a surprise given the waiver-wire process and rapidly approaching deadline. Revocable waivers last 47 hours, while a player must be on a club’s roster by Aug. 31 in order to be eligible for postseason play.
In the event Puig is claimed off waivers, the Dodgers will have 48.5 hours to negotiate a trade with the claiming team. Should he clear waivers, a seemingly unlikely scenario, Los Angeles could then trade Puig to any team.
A third option allows the Dodgers to pull Puig off waivers if he’s claimed. In addition, they could elect to simply give Puig to the team that claimed him, and that club then assumes his contract. Though that’s an unlikely scenario.
In 17 games with Oklahoma City, he’s batting .375/.420/.641 with three doubles, one triple, four home runs and 12 RBI.
Los Angeles reportedly placed Scott Kazmir on trade waivers as well, with the southpaw going unclaimed. It’s not uncommon for a team to put several players on waivers, including those they have no intention of trading.
