Daniel Nava Thanks Red Sox, Boston Fans
BOSTON (CBS) -- Daniel Nava is joining an AL East rival, but wanted to thank the organization that finally gave him a shot in the big leagues.
Nava, who was released by the Red Sox on July 30 and claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week, took to Twitter Thursday night to show his appreciation for the Boston organization and fans.
Nava made his Major League debut in 2010 after a five-year stay in the minors. It was worth the wait, as he became just the fourth player in Major League history to hit a grand slam in his first career at-bat, blasting the first pitch he saw into the Red Sox bullpen against the Philadelphia Phillies.
There wasn't much room for the versatile Nava on the Boston roster this season, with Hanley Ramirez in left and Rusney Castillo recently called up to take over in right field. Nava missed 48 games this season with a strained left thumb, batting just .152 in 29 games.
His best year in Boston came in 2013 when he hit .303 with 12 home runs and 66 RBIs (both career highs) over 134 games. In 424 career games, Nava hit .267 with a .357 OBP, clubbing 23 homers and driving in 169 runs.
