A's claim Luke Hughes off waivers from Minnesota

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland A’s claimed infielder Luke Hughes off waivers from the Minnesota Twins, the club announced today.  To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A’s transferred Dallas Braden to the 60-day disabled list.  A corresponding 25-man roster move will be announced once Hughes reports to Oakland.

Hughes was on the Twins Opening Day Roster and went 2 for 10 (.200) with two RBI in four games before he was designated for assignment April 18.  He appeared in 96 games with Minnesota last year, batting .223 with seven home runs and 30 RBI.  The 27-year-old right-handed hitter has a .224 batting average in 102 games in his career.  Hughes has appeared in 40 games at second base, 37 at first base and 16 at third base in his career.  The native of Australia was originally signed by Minnesota as a non-drafted free agent July 19, 2002.

Braden was placed on the 15-day disabled list March 28 as he continues his recovery from left shoulder surgery.  He went 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts last year before undergoing surgery to repair a torn capsule in his left shoulder May 17.

The complete 2012 and career statistics for Hughes follow: