Braves claim Hamilton off waivers from Royals
The Atlanta Braves claimed outfielder Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Kansas City Royals on Monday.
The Royals designated Hamilton for assignment on Aug. 16 after he hit .211/.275/.269 with 18 stolen bases in 93 games in 2019. Kansas City signed the 28-year-old to a one-year, $5.25-million contract with a mutual option for the 2020 campaign during the offseason.
Though he's struggled to get on base with a lifetime OBP of .296, Hamilton amassed 50-plus stolen bases four times in six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. His speed has also helped him become a five-time Gold Glove finalist.
Atlanta has recently seen its outfield hit by the injury bug: Nick Markakis is out with a fractured wrist and Ender Inciarte is dealing with a strained hamstring, leaving the Braves with an outfield alignment featuring Ronald Acuna Jr., Adam Duvall, and Matt Joyce.
In a corresponding move, the Braves optioned right-hander Bryse Wilson to Triple-A Gwinnett.
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