The Astros have claimed outfielder Eric Thames off waivers from the Orioles, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). The 26-year-old outfielder was designated for assignment on Sunday to clear a roster space for pitcher Eric Beaulac.
Thames was a seventh-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2008 but was traded to the Mariners in exchange for right-hander Steve Delabar last season. The Mariners eventually traded him to Baltimore for infielder Ty Kelly.
The left-handed-swinging Thames is a career .250/.296/.431 hitter with 21 homers in 684 plate appearances. He's been significantly better in Triple-A throughout his career though, as evidenced by his .312/.389/.506 batting line in 870 plate appearances at that level. Thames will join a crowded outfield mix in Houston that features Robbie Grossman, L.J. Hoes, Trevor Crowe, J.D. Martinez, Brandon Barnes and Jimmy Paredes.
