Cory 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.”

A full story will appear in Tuesday's Butler Eagle.