Atlanta Braves Claim Infielder Ruben Gotay Off Waivers

First baseman Scott Thorman outrighted to Richmond

ATLANTA, 03/28/2008 -- The Atlanta Braves claimed switch-hitting infielder Ruben Gotay off waivers from the New York Mets today. He will be on the team's Opening Day 25-man roster. In an additional transaction, the Braves asked for waivers on first baseman Scott Thorman who then cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Richmond.

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Ruben Gotay, 25, played in 98 games for the Mets in 2007 and had a .295 batting average with four home runs and 24 runs batted in. He excelled against right-handed pitching, batting .318 with four home runs and 22 RBI and hit .288 (15-for-52) as a pinch hitter. Gotay was also clutch in "Close & Late" situations, hitting .349 (15-for-43).

Known for his infield versatility, Gotay has Major League experience at second base, shortstop and third base.

Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 31st round of the 2000 June free agent draft before being traded to New York on July 19, 2006, for infielder Jeff Keppinger, Gotay played in 130 games for the Royals in 2004 and 2005. In 228 career Major League games, he has a .258 average with 10 home runs and 69 runs batted in. He hit .235 with a home run and a .435 on-base percentage during this season's Spring Training.

Thorman, 26, hit .176 with two home runs and 10 runs batted in during Spring Training. Last season, he hit .216 with 11 home runs and 36 runs batted in for the Braves in 120 games. He has a career batting average of .222 with 16 home runs and 50 runs batted in.

Source: MLB