SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 23 (UPI) -- The San Francisco Giants Thursday claimed outfielder Alex Sanchez off waivers from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
While with Tampa Bay, Sanchez was the first major league player to test positive for steroids under baseball's new drug policy, which requires all players testing positive to serve a 10-game suspension. He had been designated for assignment on June 13, despite hitting .346 with two home runs, 13 RBI and 28 runs scored in 43 games.
"He'll pinch-hit, pinch-run and play some outfield," said Giants Manager Felipe Alou on the team's Web site. "We need to see him and play him and get him into our situation. He has two very good tools -- he can hit and he can run."
Sanchez, who bats left-handed, has a career batting average of .297 with six homers, 108 RBI and 120 stolen bases. He is expected to join the club for its weekend series in Oakland.
