Hernandez claimed; Bixler designated

The Indians announced they’ve claimed INF Anderson Hernandez off waivers from the New York Mets. To make room for Hernandez on the club’s 40-man roster, INF Brian Bixler has been designated for assignment.

Hernandez, 27, combined to hit .251 in 123 games with Washington and the Mets. He started the 2009 season on the disabled list and played one game at Triple-A Syracuse before heading to the Nationals. The Santo Domingo, DR native was traded on August 6 to New York.

Hernandez owns a career .245 Major League average with 4 HR and 57 RBI over five seasons (186 games).

Bixler was acquired from Pittsburgh on January 18 after splitting the 2009 season between Triple-A and the majors. He was 4-for-16 (.250) with 1 RBI in 11 Cactus League games this spring.