NEW YORK -- Daniel Nava has been claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays, bringing to an official end to an eight-season run in the Boston Red Sox organization.
Nava, whose playing time was severely curtailed by Boston's acquisitions of Rusney Castillo and Hanley Ramirez, was designated for assignment on July 30 by the Red Sox. Nava, who missed 48 games with a strained left thumb before being recalled from a rehab assignment in Pawtucket on July 21, appeared in just 29 games for the Sox this season, batting .152.
With Rays designated hitter Joey Butler in a month-long slump (12 for 75, .160, 29 K's) and the Rays also needing some corner-outfield help, Nava should get a chance to re-establish himself in the big leagues.
Nava made one of the more memorable debuts in major-league history, hitting a grand slam on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues, from Philadelphia's Joe Blanton. He also hit a game-winning home run in the team's home opener in 2013, and another game-deciding home run in the emotionally charged first game the Sox played after the Marathon bombing, also in 2013.
