Nelson joins Angels, Jimenez returns to Triple-A

ANAHEIM -- A day after infielder Chris Nelson was claimed off of waivers from the Yankees, he was added to the 25-man roster and found himself in his third Major League clubhouse in a span of 22 days.

To make room for Nelson, the Angels optioned Luis Jimenez to Triple-A Salt Lake.

"Lucho had versatility, but Lucho has to go down and play every day," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's a young player, still has growth. He played terrific for us up here, at some point we'll see him again, but he needs to go down there and play."

While Jimenez made a strong impression on the Angels' manager, Nelson is now hoping to do the same.

"I'm finally here and hopefully I can be here for a while," Nelson said. "I'm just excited to be here and I'm ready to showcase my talent."

Although officially listed as an infielder, Nelson is a versatile player who can play second base, third base, shortstop and the outfield.

Nelson is batting .235 in 31 games this season but hit .301 in 111 games in 2012 for Colorado, where he started this season before a May 1 trade sent him to the Bronx.

With Alberto Callaspo, Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick as staples in the Angels infield, Scioscia has not yet decided how Nelson will be used, but likes the versatility that the 27-year-old brings.

"Chris is a really athletic player that can give us infield coverage," Scioscia said. "From the right side, he's got some pop in his bat. We'll see where we can fit him in and hopefully he can contribute."