Published: Friday, March 28, 2008
Braves claim Mets IF Gotay off waivers, ship Thorman to Triple-A Richmond.

The Associated Press

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.