Playoffs-Bound Teams Snap Up Waived Angels Players Except for Dodgers

In a stunning turn of events, the baseball world was left in awe as news broke on Tuesday about the Angels’ decision to waive a majority of the trade deadline acquisitions made at the outset of August. This unprecedented move follows the team’s dismal performance throughout the month, which has firmly shattered their hopes of making it to the playoffs. Among the standout players placed on waivers are Lucas Giolito, Hunter Renfroe, Matt Moore, Reynaldo Lopez, Dominic Leone, and Randal Grichuk. Notably, playoff-bound teams have swiftly claimed these players, except for Grichuk.

Lucas Giolito, who had been on the radar of the Dodgers during the trade deadline, saw his fate take a different turn as the Angels’ compelling offer to Chicago could not be matched. Now, Giolito sets his sights on aiding the Cleveland Guardians in their pursuit of the AL Central division title, a feat that would secure them a coveted spot in the playoffs. The Guardians have also bolstered their roster with Reynaldo Lopez and Matt Moore to fortify their struggling bullpen. Sitting just 5 games behind the Twins’ lead in the AL Central, the Guardians’ strategic acquisitions could potentially yield significant rewards.

Dominic Leone’s journey comes full circle, as he is claimed by the Seattle Mariners, the team that originally drafted him back in 2012. The Mariners have emerged as a powerhouse in the American League during August, suffering only 6 losses. Currently tied with the Astros for the AL West division lead, the Mariners aim to distance themselves from the reigning World Series champions.

Meanwhile, Hunter Renfroe’s talents have not gone unnoticed, as he becomes the newest addition to the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds, mere one game behind the current Wild Card holder, the San Francisco Giants, are determined to secure their place in the playoffs.

Although the Dodgers were unable to acquire any of these released players for their roster, they remain undeterred. With an impressive track record as the dominant team in August for the past four years, and star players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, alongside formidable pitchers including Lance Lynn, Clayton Kershaw, and Julio Urias, the Dodgers are poised for a deep postseason run and a shot at the World Series.

While it’s yet uncertain whether the Dodgers put in a waiver claim for any of the players, the odds of the LA team securing any of them were remote, if not nonexistent.

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