The Twins on Sunday claimed Jordan Schafer from the Braves. Once he takes the field he will be the seventh center fielder the Twins have used this season. Schafer was designated for assignment on Thursday when the Braves dealt for the versatile Emilio Bonifacio.
Schafer, 27. hit .163 (13-for-80) with Atlanta with four doubles, two RBI, and 15 stolen bases in 63 games. He expressed frustration at a lack of playing time as he was stuck behind Jason Heyward, B.J. Upton and Justin Upton. His chances for playing time should be a little better with the Twins, as Schafer could play when Danny Santana is at short or needs a day off, or in left field when Josh Willingham is at DH or is getting a day off.
``He's a nice piece to have on a major league team," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told Atlanta media on Friday. ``He can do a lot of things. He can pinch-run, he can play defense – all three in the outfield– he can bunt. He would be a very nice piece on any team. You match him up good, he can be successful."
Schafer, who will wear uniform No. 1, will officially be added to the active roster on Tuesday when the Twins open a two-game series against the Padres. The Twins will announce a corresponding roster move at that time. They had room on the 40-man roster when they designated Matt Guerrier for assignment a week ago, so that wasn't an issue.
It will be interesting to see who comes off the roster to make room for Schafer. Lefty Logan Darnell could be a casualty. Chros Colabello could be sent down too, especially since Chris Parmelee is hitting fairly well and the club wants to see Kenny Vargas get at-bats.
