MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers added the reigning Triple-A home run king on Thursday when they claimed first baseman Jesus Aguilar off waivers from the Indians.
Aguilar could provide the Brewers some thump off the bench and serve as a right-handed backup at first base to Eric Thames, a left-handed hitter whom the Brewers signed to a three-year deal after three big seasons in South Korea. Aguilar led the International League last season with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs, tying two players in the Pacific Coast League for the home run title throughout the Triple-A level.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Aguilar, who is out of Minor League options, the Brewers designated infielder Ehire Adrianza for assignment, two days after claiming him off waivers from the Giants. The Brewers, with mixed success, have employed a similarly quick hook for a number of waiver claims over the past year, hoping he slips through waivers and remains in the organization.
That appears the hope with Adrianza, a 27-year-old switch hitter known for his solid defense, who could help provide a backup to second-year shortstop Orlando Arcia.
Aguilar is 26 and has made brief appearances in the Major Leagues for the Indians in each of the past three seasons, hitting .172/.234/.190 in 64 plate appearances. He is still seeking his first big league home run.
In parts of nine Minor League seasons since signing with the Indians out of Venezuela, Aguilar is a .271/.348/.454 hitter with 140 home runs. He most recently played in the Venezuelan Winter League, hitting .314 with 10 home runs and a 1.018 OPS in 42 games.