Pirates claim Brent Morel off waivers from Blue Jays

The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed infielder Brent Morel off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a team announcement. Morel was recently designated for assignment by Toronto to make room for righty Liam Hendriks, who was claimed from the Orioles.

Morel, who turns 27 in April, heads to his third team of the offseason after being claimed by the Blue Jays from the White Sox in December. Toronto was planning on using him at second base, but decided at the beginning of camp to rely on other options like Ryan Goins and minor league signee Chris Getz.

Morel has major league experience at third base and first base, so he will provide infield depth for the Pirates in 2014. They have been in search of help at first base all winter, so Morel will likely split time at the position with Gaby Sanchez.

Morel appeared in twelve games for the White Sox last season, hitting .200 with 1 RBI in 25 at-bats. He spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Charlotte, hitting .266 with 6 HR and 54 RBI in 106 games. In parts of three major league seasons with the White Sox, the former top prospect is a lifetime .229 hitter with 13 HR and 54 RBI in 194 games.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated infielder Chase d'Arnaud for assignment. The 27-year old is a lifetime .208 hitter with 7 RBI in 56 games at the major league level.