Yankees Lose Outfielder Claimed in January to Dodgers

The back-and-forth roster moves continue as teams jockey for depth ahead of the new season.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:15pm

The New York Yankees claimed outfielder Mike Siani off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in late January, but just days later the Dodgers reclaimed Siani after the Yankees designated him for assignment. This is a common practice as teams try to maneuver their 40-man rosters and hang onto useful players like Siani, who has major league experience with the Cardinals and Reds.

Why it matters

These types of minor roster moves are common this time of year as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. While they may seem insignificant, they highlight the constant juggling and maneuvering teams must do to maintain organizational depth and keep talented players in their systems.

The details

The Yankees initially claimed the 26-year-old Siani, who bats and throws left-handed and can play center field, off waivers from the Dodgers in late January. However, the Yankees then designated Siani for assignment, placing him back on waivers. The Dodgers, having adjusted their 40-man roster, then reclaimed Siani, getting the outfielder back in their system.

  • The Yankees claimed Siani off waivers from the Dodgers in late January 2026.
  • The Yankees designated Siani for assignment shortly after claiming him.
  • The Dodgers reclaimed Siani off waivers on February 4, 2026.

The players

Mike Siani

A 26-year-old outfielder who bats and throws left-handed and has major league experience with the Cardinals and Reds.

New York Yankees

The MLB team that initially claimed Siani off waivers from the Dodgers before designating him for assignment.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The MLB team that reclaimed Siani off waivers after the Yankees designated him for assignment.

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The takeaway

These types of minor roster moves are common as teams work to maintain organizational depth and hang onto useful players like Siani, who has major league experience but may not be a lock for an Opening Day roster spot. The back-and-forth between the Yankees and Dodgers over Siani illustrates the constant maneuvering teams must do to position their rosters optimally ahead of the new season.