By that point, Thompson already had learned that his tenure as a Dodger was likely over: The team designated him for assignment, which meant the other 29 teams had a chance to claim him on waivers. Roberts still wanted to reach out to Thompson, a 27-year-old outfielder who was a well-liked member of the clubhouse the previous two seasons.
"He saw the depth that we had," Roberts said before the final game of the Freeway Series. "[Thompson] understood the situation, seeing the guys we were playing. Still, the finality of when you're going to be designated for assignment, that always jolts you a little bit.