Braves claim Jordan Schafer off waivers from Astros

Center fielder Jordan Schafer is back with the Atlanta Braves after the team claimed Schafer off waivers from the Houston Astros on Thursday. This comes just as the Braves appear to be losing Michael Bourn to free agency.

Schafer's batting line wasn't great with the Astros last season, just .211/.297/.294.

For most of the second half of last season, Schafer spent time on the disabled list with a separated shoulder. SB Nation's Braves blog Talking Chop is hoping Schafer can play well enough in the spring to earn a backup role and maybe even develop into a starter at some point.

Schafer started 2011 off with a .707 OPS in April and a .660 OPS in May, but his numbers declined as the season progressed, and ultimately, the injury kept him out of games. Per Talking Chop, the Braves also out-righted three players off their 40-man roster. Catcher J.C. Boscan elected free agency, but pitcher Erik Cordier and Robert Fish will join the Triple-A roster.