March 17, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Brewers claim Wes Littleton
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers have claimed relief pitcher Wes Littleton off waivers from the Red Sox. Because Littleton was out of minor league options, he would have had to pass through waivers before he could be removed from the 40-man roster. The 26-year-old sidearm artist was originally acquired by the Red Sox from the Texas Rangers in November, 2008 in exchange future considerations. Boston sent relief pitcher Beau Vaughan to Texas to complete part of the trade in December, 2008, but reportedly would have had to send another player had Littleton made the 25-man roster to start the season. Once a candidate to fill a major league relief role for the Red Sox in 2009, Littleton had not been having a good spring. As of the start of today's action, he had given up 11 earned runs on 8 hits (including 2 home runs), 7 walks, and 3 hit batsmen in just 5.1 innings spanning 6 appearances. Littleton will likely be given a chance to win a major league job with Milwaukee.