Dbacks Claim Nolan Reimold Off Waivers From The Blue Jays

Aug 9, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder

(14) hits a double to score the winning run during the tenth inning in a game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a waiver trade today, four days before the August 31st 2014 deadline claiming OF Nolan Reimold off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish first reported the story on twitter.

The move was officially announced via a press release, by Dbacks Vice-President and General Manager Kevin Towers, though its almost a guarantee that Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa had an impact on this move. A corresponding move will be made before toomorow nights game. The Blue Jays designated him for assignment on August 26th.

Reimold, 30, is in his 6th full season in the big leagues, playing most of his time with the Baltimore Orioles. He was a second round pick of the O’s in the 2009 amateur draft, and was once regarded as a top 100 prospect, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. He has appeared in 22 games with Blue Jays this season, batting .212 with two home runs, and nine RBI’s.

He began the 2014 season on the Orioles disabled list after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck. He was designated for assignment by Baltimore on July 1st, and was claimed by the Jays on July 6th. For his career in 308 games, he has an average of .250 with 43 HR, and 135 RBI’s. One interesting note on Reimold is that his first career home run came in May of 2009 against Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees.

Reimold is under control till 2015, so the Dbacks must think that he can contribute next season. I dont understand why the Dbacks need another outfielder when they already have Mark Trumbo, Ender Inciarte, David Peralta, and A.J. Pollock who all seem to be major parts of the team’s plans next season.

He also has an injury plagued career, and he has a career .250/.324/.437 slash line. We shall see what he can do, but I dont understand this move.