Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Braves claimed outfielder Jordan Schafer off waivers from the Houston Astros on Thursday, returning the onetime top prospect back to his original organization.
Schafer was a third-round draft choice of the Braves in the 2005 MLB Draft and was Atlanta's opening day center fielder in 2009. The 26-year-old was traded to the Astros in July of 2011 as part of the deal that brought center fielder Michael Bourn to the Braves.
Schafer struggled in his 1 1/2 seasons with Houston, however, and was waived after batting just .211 with four homers and 23 RBI while striking out 106 times in 313 at-bats this past year. He did record a career-best 27 steals in 36 attempts, however.
The left-handed hitter owns just a .221 average with eight homers and 51 stolen bases over 238 career games with the Braves and Astros.
Though Atlanta could lose Bourn through free agency this offseason, Schafer is considered more of a candidate for a reserve outfield job in spring training.
