Phillies Claim OF Jordan Danks Off Waivers

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The Phillies have claimed outfielder Jordan Danks off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.

Danks, 28, batted .270 with 18 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBI in 93 games for triple-A Charlotte in 2014.  At the major league level, the left-handed hitter appeared in 51 games for the White Sox last year and hit .222 with two home runs and 10 RBI.

"Jordan is a player whose power and outfield defense appealed to us," said Amaro.  "We've been looking for athletes and guys who can play defense and Jordan is both.  His athleticism was important and he will be part of the outfield mix in spring training with the possibility of making our major league club.  Much like our starting pitching, we are creating depth in the outfield, especially with regards to defense."

Danks was originally selected by the White Sox in the seventh round of the 2008 draft out of the University of Texas.  In 180 career major league games, he has hit .227 with eight home runs and 26 RBI.  His older brother, John, is a pitcher for the White Sox.

The acquisition of Danks puts the Phillies at 40 players on the 40-man roster.