That did not take long. The Oakland A’s had designated Jordan Weems for assignment back on Saturday, opening a spot on the 40 man roster for Sam Moll. Given his success in 2020, it had been expected that another team would give Weems a chance to prove himself at the major league level.
Weems’ second chance came on Monday. The Arizona Diamondbacks, a team in desperate need of help everywhere on their roster, have claimed Weems.
The #Dbacks claim pitcher Jordan Weems off waivers from the A's.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 5, 2021
Ryan Buchter was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Jordan Weems getting a chance with Arizona Diamondbacks
A third round draft pick by the Red Sox in 2011, Weems had originally been drafted as a catcher out of high school. Although he did not progress with the bat and essentially struggled with the offensive side of the game, his strong arm drew considerable attention. Weems converted to the mound in 2016, moving up to Triple-A within two years.
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Despite that relative lack of experience as a pitcher, he was able to crack the Oakland A’s roster in 2020 after signing as a minor league free agent. Weems showed potential in his brief time in the majors, posting a 3.21 ERA and a 1.214 WHiP over his 14 innings, striking out 18 batters with seven walks. Those numbers would play in the middle of a bullpen.
However, he was unable to sustain that success in 2021. Weems allowed three runs on two hits and three walks in his 4.1 innings in Oakland, striking out four. He also struggled in Triple-A, with a 7.36 ERA and a 1.568 WHiP in his 14.2 innings in Las Vegas.
For a team such as the Diamondbacks, who are clearly building for the future, Weems is certainly worth a flier. He has the type of stuff where he could be an asset as they look to build a reasonably solid roster moving forward. The Diamondbacks will give him the chance to show that he can be that type of pitcher.
Jordan Weems was not unemployed for long. The former Oakland A’s reliever has been claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting another chance.