SAN DIEGO — Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras was claimed on waivers, according to a major-league source. It’s unclear which team claimed him. The Rockies can simply pull Taveras back, negating any trade discussions, and that’s a more likely scenario, given the team’s surge in the standings and Taveras’ recent hot streak while hitting second.
Opposing team executives can see when a player is claimed, but not the identity of the claiming club. Taveras was placed on waivers Tuesday, and those expired Thursday.
It works like a draft, with the teams with the worst records getting first chance. The Washington Nationals have previously expressed interest among noncontenders. The Phillies and Mets, among those competing for playoffs spots, have had Taveras on their radar at various times this season.
Teams often place players on waivers without any interest in moving them. It’s simply a tool to find out which teams have interest. The Rockies are expected to aggressively try and trade Taveras this offseason because his salary is in line to jump to about $4 million.
Earlier this week, the Rockies removed Cory Sullivan from the 40-man roster, a likely precursor to the arrival of Double-A star Dexter Fowler. Ryan Spilborghs, on a rehab assignment, will return Monday.
