By Brian Argabright
Del Rio’s Jack Mayfield is headed back to the minor leagues … for now.
The 30-year-old utility infielder in the Los Angeles Angels organization was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake City Wednesday after failing to make the 25-man Opening Day roster.
Mayfield stayed in the running for a roster spot until this week. His experience playing second, third and shortstop gave him a leg up on the competition, but his struggles at the plate made him the odd man out.
Mayfield appeared in 11 games for the Angels during spring training, batting .231 with 13 at-bats. He amassed three hits, scored a run and drove one run in.
A 2009 graduate of Del Rio High School, and a four-time all-district selection, Mayfield played four years with the University of Oklahoma before signing a free agent contract with the Houston Astros. He made his major league debut on Memorial Day in 2019 and appeared in 47 games for the Astros over two seasons.
He was designated for assignment by the Astros in November, but the Atlanta Braves claimed him off waivers. Mayfield was designated for assignment by the Braves in February, and was eventually traded to the Angels on Feb. 25 for cash.
