The Angels claimed center fielder Gary Brown off waivers from the Cardinals on Wednesday, then subsequently optioned him to Triple-A Salt Lake.
Brown was born and raised in Diamond Bar, Calif. -- about 15 miles away from Angel Stadium -- attended Cal State Fullerton and was the 24th overall pick by the Giants in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. The 26-year-old right-handed hitter has posted a .276/.340/.412 slash line in 559 career games in the Minors, adding 44 homers and 141 steals.
Brown played in seven games for the Giants last year and was selected off waivers by the Cardinals on April 3.