ATLANTA, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Braves on Saturday signed free agent third baseman Vinny Castilla, a move that will force All-Star Chipper Jones to the outfield.
Financial terms were not disclosed for Castilla, who began his career with Atlanta before being taken in the expansion draft by Colorado.
The Braves are hoping Castilla will return to the form he displayed with the Rockies, for whom he totaled 191 home runs and 562 RBI from 1995-99.
After a disastrous stint with Tampa Bay, Castilla had a bit of a rebirth in Houston last season, hitting .270 with 23 homers and 82 RBI in 122 games.
Castilla was assured by Braves general manager John Schuerholz that he will be the everyday third baseman, meaning Jones' move to left field is no longer an experiment.
In an effort to beef up a struggling lineup last year, Atlanta occasionally had veteran Ken Caminiti at third base and Jones in left.
Jones, who began his professional career as a shorstop, welcomes the switch. He has played left eight times last season and has seen time in the outfield 35 times since 1995.
A switch hitter and former Most Valuable Player, Jones is the team's undeniable offensive leader. He has batted at least .311 with 34 homers and 102 RBI each of the last four seasons.
