The Indians announced on Thursday that they've claimed corner infielder Richie Shaffer off waivers from the Reds. In a corresponding move, they designated first baseman Jesus Aguilar for assignment.
The Rays selected Shaffer with the 25th overall pick in the 2012 Draft, where he has spent his entire professional career, playing in 51 big league games over parts of the past two seasons.
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During that stretch, Shaffer -- now 25 -- slashed .213/.310/.410 with 14 extra-base hits, including five homers, and 10 RBIs over 142 plate appearances. He was the Rays' Minor League Player of the Year in 2015 in a year when he batted .267 with 26 homers and 72 RBIs. He spent most of his Minors career at third base, though that position is occupied by All-Star Evan Longoria in Tampa Bay.
Since November, Shaffer, who finished the regular season as the Rays' No. 20 prospect, per MLBPipeline.com, has been traded from Tampa Bay to Seattle, then claimed off waivers by the Phillies, Reds and now Indians.
Aguilar, 26, has spent his entire pro career with the Indians' organization after being signed by the club in November 2007. In parts of the past three seasons, he appeared in 35 big league games, hitting .172/.234/.190 with 21 strikeouts in 64 plate appearances.