The Angels announced on Wednesday that catcher Rene Rivera was awarded to the Atlanta Braves on a waiver claim. The announcement was made by general manager Billy Eppler.
Rivera, 35, signed with the Angels as a free agent last January 9. In 30 games with the Halos, he recorded a .244 batting average (20/82) with four doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI. Rivera was recently activated from the disabled list Aug. 15 after missing 76 games with right knee inflammation. He appeared in six rehab games with Single-A Inland Empire before his return.
A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Rivera has played in all or parts of 10 Major League seasons since making his debut with Seattle in September, 2004. In 503 career games, he owns a lifetime .221 average (309/1398) with 62 doubles, two triples, 40 home runs and 164 RBI. A solid defensive catcher, Rivera has thrown out 37 percent of would-be base stealers (126 of 217) during his career, including 43.8% this season (7 of 16).
Drafted by Seattle in the second round of the 2001 MLB Amateur June Draft, Rivera has played for the Mariners, Minnesota, San Diego, Tampa Bay, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and Angels.