Center fielder Peter Bourjos has been claimed off waivers by the Phillies after being dropped from the 40-man roster by the Cardinals.
Bourjos has elite speed and is a top-notch defensive center fielder, but he’s struggled offensively since a strong showing for the Angels in 2011. Since then he’s hit just .231 with 14 homers and a .645 OPS in 392 games, including .200 with a .623 OPS this past season.
Bourjos’ defense is good enough that he wouldn’t have to hit much to be a solid starting center fielder, so the rebuilding Phillies taking a flier on the 28-year-old makes some sense. He’s arbitration eligible and due for a raise after making $1.65 million in 2015.