Cubs claim Ryan Lavarnway, Shane Peterson off waivers

The Chicago Cubs have made two separate claims off of waivers, claiming Ryan Lavarnway from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shane Peterson from the Oakland A’s. To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated RHP Donn Roach and infielder Logan Watkins for assignment.

Lavarnway continues to the Boston affiliation, as his time with the Dodgers was very short. He’s had a solid track record as a hitter in the minors, as he batted .283/.389/.370 in 257 plate appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket. He’s a .283 career hitter in seven seasons.

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His best season in the Majors came in 2013, when he hit .229 with one home run and 14 RBIs in 25 games with the Red Sox. He’s a solid defensive option behind the plate, and could have been on the radar for the Cubs should David Ross sign elsewhere, which he did.

Peterson, a first baseman from the A’s system, has also had a consistent hitting career in the Minors, posting a career .284/.376/.421 line in seven seasons. He had a brief cup of coffee with the A’s in 2013, playing in only two games.

It’s possible Lavarnway will remain with the Cubs, becoming increased depth behind the plate as a solid defender should anything happen to Miguel Montero or Welington Castillo. It’s hard to see where Peterson might fit in. The Cubs may be looking at his career numbers at the plate in the minors and be considering a position shift for him. Dan Vogelbach has been the discussion in trades because of his inability to play other positions aside from first with any consistency. But what he lacks in the field, he can make up for at the plate. Any team looking for a power-hitting first baseman may look the Cubs direction, and Peterson may be the one to slide in upon his departure.

Keep following for all the latest moves in this off-season on Cubbies Crib.

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