Braves Add Minor League Infielder

Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily dish  reported that the Braves added a minor league infielder yesterday.

The 29 year old Ciriaco (ser-REE-ah-koh) originally signed with the Diamondback as an amateur free agent in 2003.  Although he remained in the Diamondbacks system until 2010 he failed to get a shot in Phoenix. In 2010 he was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks with Chris Snyder and cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates for D.J. Carrasco, Ryan Church and Bobby Crosby.

While with the Pirates Ciriaco appeared in 31 games posting an impressive looking .333/.350/.513 line. Unfortunately the line was aggrandized by a 40 PA sample size and he was granted free agency following the 2011 season.

In December of 2011 he signed with the Red Sox and played with Boston for a season and a half appearing in 104 games and posting a .281/.311/.384 line with 3 homers, 3 triples and 17 doubles in 330 PA striking out 59 times and walking 14. In June of 2103 he was traded to the Padres but played only 23 games before being played on waivers in July and was claimed by the Royals.  he played only 30 games for Kansas City before being designated for assignment in June and heading to Omaha where he slashed 302/.322/.444 in 215 PA. In September he became a free agent again.

Ciriaco been a super utility man so far, playing every infield and outfield position in his time in the majors. He projects as minor league depth rather than someone destined for the 25 man roster. There’s no information about his assignment but Gwinnett is his likely landing spot. He’s just the latest signing in the Braves efforts to restock the minor league system for next season.

Earlier this month Baseball America reported that the Braves signed right hand pitchers Ryan Kelly (re-signed) and Felix Marte (re-signed) along with catcher Braeden Schlehuber free agent shortstop Alex Aquino to a minor league contracts.