The Oakland A's announced today that right-handed pitcher R.J. Alvarez was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs.
 
Alvarez was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 2 retroactive to March 25 following March 29 surgery on his right elbow. He was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 8. Alvarez was sent to Single-A Stockton on a rehab assignment on June 3 and had no decisions and a 4.50 ERA in two relief appearances. He was transferred to Triple-A Nashville on rehab on June 9 and tossed 1.2 scoreless innings of relief that day. Alvarez had four stints with the A's in 2015 and posted a 9.90 ERA in 21 games. He also went 3-3 with five saves and a 4.11 ERA in 31 games with Nashville.