Braves claim outfielder Eury Perez off waivers from Yankees
ATLANTA (AP) The Braves have added another contender to their outfield competition by claiming Eury Perez off waivers from the New York Yankees.
The 24-year-old Perez hit .311 with 20 stolen bases with Triple-A Syracuse in the Nationals' organization last year. He was picked up off waivers by New York in September and had two hits and a stolen base in four games with the Yankees.
The Braves also have signed outfielders Zoilo Almonte and Nick Markakis this offseason and on Thursday agreed to a deal with veteran Jonny Gomes, a contract pending a physical. Atlanta has traded Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Evan Gattis.
Perez, a native of the Dominican Republic, could be an option in center if B.J. Upton can't end his two-year hitting slump. Perez has batted .305 in eight minor league seasons.