Bucs claim OF Brandon Jones off waivers
Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com
UPDATE 5:19: Huntington on Jones: “In some cases players need a chance of scenery to reach their potential and we thought this could be an opportunity for Brandon Jones to get that.”
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UPDATE 4:24: The Pirates have officially announced the claim. For now, the club does not have to remove anyone off the 40-man roster because another of the Pirates’ recent signings (likely Brendan Donnelly) has not yet been confirmed by MLB and the Player’s Association. That confirmation is just a formality at this point, but it allows the Pirates a little extra time before making another roster move.
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The Pirates have claimed Atlanta outfielder Brandon Jones off waivers, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Jones had been designated for assignment so the Braves could make room for free agent Eric Hinske.
It’s unknown at this point who will come off the Pirates’ 40-man roster in order to make room for Jones. Given the Pirates’ recent signing of Ryan Church and the club’s bevy of other outfield options — including Brandon Moss, John Raynor, Delwyn Young (limited), Steve Pearce, and eventually Jose Tabata – it is a bit surprising that the Pirates added yet another outfielder to the roster.
Jones has made brief appearances in the Majors each of the last three seasons. All combined, Jones has a .257 batting average, one homer and 22 RBIs in 148 big league at-bats. Jones hit .281 in 107 games with Triple-A Gwinnett (Ga.) last season.
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Good to see you’re back, Jen. I was starting worry about you.
Brandon Jones surprises me as well. I don’t think it;s a bad move, but Jones needs to refind his power.
Wonder what’s going on in NH’s head??
Is Jones going to be minor leaguer? I don’t see how he makes the team. With Tabata coming up and possibly Hernandez and some point, this doesn’t make much sense. Pick up some infielders for depth, but this is enough of the outfielders.