MLB voids Tampa Bay's waiver claim, Livingston sent to Reds

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball voided a waiver claim by Tampa Bay, ruling Thursday the Devil Rays circumvented rules this week when they took a pitcher and immediately traded him.

The Devil Rays claimed lefty Bobby Livingston from Seattle on Tuesday, then sent him to Philadelphia for cash. MLB voided the moves, deciding the Devil Rays took Livingston with the intent of trading him.

Instead, Livingston was assigned from Seattle to the Cincinnati Reds on a waiver claim.

The 24-year-old Livingston made three relief appearances for the Mariners last season. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Tacoma, going 8-11 with a 4.59 ERA in 23 games.