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The Houston Astros claimed outfielder Eric Thames on waivers according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
#Astros claim Eric Thames. #Orioles had designated him for assignment.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 5, 2013
Thames was placed on waivers on September 1 by the Orioles. A former seventh round draft pick of the Blue Jays in 2008, Thames hasn't played in the majors in 2013 and will likely get a major league opportunity with the Astros in the last month of the season. In 2012, Thames hit .232/.273/.399 in 86 games (290 plate appearances) for the Blue Jays and Mariners. His best year in the majors was his rookie season in 2011, when he hit .262/.313/.456 in 95 games.
In 56 games for Triple-A Tacoma before he was traded to Baltimore, Thames was hitting .295/.383/.479. For Triple-A Norfolk, Thames had a .252 average in 149 plate appearances.
Thames was traded to the Mariners from the Blue Jays in 2008 in exchange for righty Steve Delabar. The Mariners traded him to the Orioles for Ty Kelly.
Thames joins the Astros outfield crew that has Brandon Barnes, Robbie Grossman, LJ Hoes, Trevor Crowe, JD Martinez and Jimmy Paredes. The Astros showed interest in Thames before the 26-year old outfielder was traded to Baltimore, Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reported.