Mazzoni

SAN DIEGO — Cory Mazzoni wasn't out of work long.

The Seneca Valley graduate and 28-year-old right-hander was placed on waivers Monday by the San Diego Padres — and claimed by the Chicago Cubs two hours later.

“That's about how it went,” Mazzoni said. “The Padres called me to tell me about the DFA (designated for assignment). They also told me the Cubs were claiming me.

“I have nothing but good things to say about the San Diego organization. They treated me well. They told me if I ever needed anything, to give them a call. I didn't pitch well when I was up there. I'm not surprised they released me.”

Mazzoni allowed 16 runs, 12 earned, in eight innings covering six relief appearances with the Padres in September.

He underwent surgery for a torn labrum in April of 2016, rehabbed for over a year, went to extended spring training and wound up dominating out of the bullpen for El Paso, the Padres' Class AAA affiliate, before being called up to the big club.

Mazzoni struck out 48 and walked three, allowing two earned runs in 30.1 innings of relief at El Paso.

“My arm was a little fatigued late this season, but that's not why I got hit hard with San Diego,” Mazzoni said. “My fastball velocity was down a little bit, but I should have been able to execute pitches regardless.

“I just didn't execute enough pitches. That was on me.”

Mazzoni is considering the pick-up by the Cubs as “another fresh start.”

Mazzoni said Scott Harris, the Director of Baseball Operations for the Cubs, called him after he was claimed off waivers.

“He didn't say anything about my role or any plans they may have for me,” Mazzoni said. “He just welcomed me to the organization.”

Because he was claimed off waivers, Mazzoni is automatically on the Cubs' 40-man roster. Chicago still has six open spots on its 40-man squad.

The Cubs become Mazzoni's third major league organization. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round, reached the high minor league levels with them, then was dealt to San Diego.

“It threw me a little bit when I was first traded,” Mazzoni said. “Then I looked at it as a new start. That's how I'm looking at this move.

“Being a World Series and playoff team the past couple of years, I'm sure the Cubs have some veteran arms in the back end of their bullpen. Still, it's always a player's goal to make the club out of spring training and that will be my goal.”

Joining the National League Central Division, Mazzoni may get a chance to pitch for the Cubs in Pittsburgh sometime in the 2018 season.

“I'll be closer to the Eastern time zome now, which will make it easier for my family and friends to watch me,” Mazzoni said. “They won't have to stay up quite so late anymore.

“Getting an opportunity to take the mound at PNC (Park)? I would relish that. I hope it happens.”

In 116 career minor league appearances, Mazzoni is 27-15 with seven saves and a 3.79 earned run average.