Phillies claim reserve infielder Olmedo off waivers

Infielder Ray Olmedo was claimed off waivers by the Phillies, assistant general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. announced today. Olmedo had been on the Pittsburgh Pirates' roster.

Olmedo, 26, appeared in 27 games for Toronto last season and made 12 starts at shortstop for the club. In 97 games for triple-A Syracuse, he hit .290 with one home run and 26 RBI. Against left-handed pitchers, the switch-hitter batted .323.

Defensively, Olmedo has made 55 career starts at shortstop and 28 at second base and has appeared in five games at third base and one in right field.

A native of Venezuela, Olmedo was originally signed by Cincinnati as an amateur free agent in 1999. He has a .228 average with two home runs and 26 RBI in 198 games for Cincinnati (2003-06) and Toronto (2007).

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated righthander John Ennis for assignment.