The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed infielder Dean Anna from the New York Yankees and have optioned him to Triple-A. Anna was a 26th round draft pick by the San Diego Padres in 2008. He was traded to the Yankees over the off-season for right-handed pitcher Ben Paullus, at which point they added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. He made the Yankees’ Opening Day roster, but was optioned to Triple-A after hitting for a .136/.200/.318 line in 25 plate appearances.
Anna is 27 years old, and has a career .826 OPS in 734 plate appearances in Triple-A. Anna has played all over the field, spending most of his time at the two middle infield spots, but also playing third base, the corner outfield spots, and four games at first base. The reports on his defense are decent. He looks like a depth option, with the upside of a utility player.
