Braves claim veteran OF Billy Hamilton off waivers

There may be no non-waiver trade deadline this season around MLB, but contending teams have still found a way to add some talent following the July 31 deadline.

That now includes the Atlanta Braves. According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, Atlanta has claimed veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.

#Braves claimed light-hitting, strong-fielding outfielder Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Royals. Switch-htting speedster gives them more depth as they deal with injuries that could keep CF Ender Inciarte and RF Nick Markakis out for most if not all the remaining season.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 19, 2019

If nothing else, this gives the first-place Braves a late-inning defensive replacement and a potential pinch runner down the stretch.

Hamilton, 28, hit just .211 with zero homers, 12 RBI and a .275 OBP in 93 games with the Royals. Though, he did steal 18 bases in limited action and is a solid outfielder.

It’s these types of moves that can help a contending team. Hamilton isn’t a star. He fills a specific need. That will help Atlanta as it navigates the stretch run and in the playoffs. After all, Hamilton stole 30-plus bases each season from 2014-18.