ATLANTA — Two days before opening day, the Atlanta Braves claimed infielder Ruben Gotay off waivers from the New York Mets and shipped first baseman Scott Thorman to Triple-A Richmond.
Gotay, who batted .295 with four homers and 24 RBIs in 98 games for the Mets last season, will be on Atlanta's 25-man roster as a utility infielder after being claimed Friday. He can play second base, shortstop or third.
The Braves needed a backup infielder while Omar Infante recovers from a broken bone in his hand.
Thorman started last season as the Braves' starting first baseman but was a major disappointment, hitting .216 with 11 homers and 36 RBIs. He lost his starting job when Atlanta traded for Mark Teixeira ahead of the deadline for non-waiver deals.
This spring, the 26-year-old Thorman was hoping for a backup role but hit just .176 with two homers. Out of minor-league options, he had to clear waivers before being outrighted to Richmond.