Los Angeles Angels Claim Chris Nelson off Waivers

Having been claimed off of waivers by the Los Angeles Angels, Chris Nelson finds himself on the move to his third organization this season. (Image Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports)

Infielder Chris Nelson is on the move once again, having been claimed off of waivers by the Los Angeles Angels. The New York Yankees had designated Nelson for assignment just a few days ago after acquiring him earlier this month from the Colorado Rockies.

Nelson has hit just .235/.269/.304 in 108 PA on the year between the two teams, exclusively playing third base. He’s seen some time elsewhere in the infield during his brief MLB career, but has failed to produce enough offensively to justify receiving regular playing time. In 701 career plate appearances he’s mustered a .276/.318/.408 line, but has struck out nearly four times for every walk. Nelson was originally the 9th overall pick in the 2004 Draft by the Rockies

With the Angels, Nelson will likely work into the bench mix as an option behind both Alberto Callaspo and Erick Aybar. Much of the other infielders in the organization’s top levels fit a similar mold to that of Nelson – defensively versatile with little offensive punch and none of them have received any significant time at the Major League level at this point in their careers. Los Angeles has designated outfielder Scott Cousins for assignment in order to make room for Nelson on the active and 40-man rosters.