NASHVILLE, Tenn: The Indians on Monday claimed outfielder Joey Butler off of waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Butler, 29, last season hit .276 with 8 home runs, 12 doubles, 30 RBI and five steals in 88 games with Tampa Bay between stints at Triple-A Durham. He also was the hitter who broke up Carlos Carrasco’s no-hit bid with two outs in the ninth on July 1.
Butler becomes another option for the Indians in the outfield, along with Michael Brantley, Abraham Almonte, Lonnie Chisenhall, Collin Cowgill and Jerry Sands. Butler still has an option remaining, so he provides additional insurance and could be sent down to Triple-A Columbus if he doesn’t win a job in the spring.