The Red Sox have announced they have claimed infielder Luis Jimenez off waivers from the Brewers. Milwaukee had designated Jimenez for assignment yesterday. The Red Sox transferred catcher Ryan Hanigan to the 60-day disabled list to create room on the 40-man roster for Jimenez.
The Brewers cut ties with the 27-year-old after a 1-for-15 start to the season. Jimenez has a reputation as an outstanding defender, but has managed a meager .218/.255/.269 line in 167 plate appearances over three seasons with the Brewers and Angels. Jimenez, who made two starts at third base and has seen time at second base, as well, was claimed off waivers by Milwaukee from the Angels last October after he batted .286/.321/.505 with 21 home runs for Triple-A Salt Lake.
Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters, including CSNNE.com’s Sean McAdam (Twitter link), Jimenez was claimed to allow Brock Holt to stay in right field, have a third non-catcher position player on the bench, and Jackie Bradley Jr. isn’t eligible to return to Boston yet. Bradley was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket Wednesday and must spend 10 days there, unless recalled as an injury replacement.
Hanigan underwent surgery yesterday to fix a metacarpal fracture in his right hand. The injury was sustained Friday night.
I’m not seeing how the Red Sox need Jimenez. Sure he is depth, but they have plenty of depth at third base where Jimenez is strongest. This just seems like a strange move to me.
Agreed, unless they don’t want to risk calling up the out of options Jemille Weeks any time soon?
I’m not seeing it either. I know it has been mentioned that he can play various positions in the infield, but that is like saying that Big Papi can too.
Can he start? Can he pitch?
That .524 SLG is actually his OPS.
Maybe BenC should be looking to move Nava, Craig, Miley, Vic when he comes off the DL, Mujica and Robby Ross, Jr.. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if Napoli is moved as well.
Pick some pitchers as opposed to position players which you have a ton of.
The problem is that none of those listed players have much value. Nava can hit but is a defensive liability and is a platoon guy, Craig hasn’t hit in over a year, Miley’s not going anywhere just 6 weeks into his first season with a team that traded for him. Victorino just can’t stay on the field anymore and is fairly expensive at 13M for 2015. And he doesn’t switch-hit anymore and may also be a platoon player.
Ben says the cheaper…the better!!! What happened to Herrera? Now that Hanley’s hurt, they can convert Jiminez to the outfield…so Holt can get some more rest….he’s starting to look tired again(ha,ha)! I notice that Cody Ross is available….Ben might want to rescue him from the scrap heap!!! How come we can’t find guys like Andrew Miller, Adrian Beltre, Victor Martinez,etc.etc.!!!