Billy Hamilton feels like Christmas came early.After being let go by one of baseball worst teams, Hamilton joined the first-place Atlanta Braves on Tuesday to help with their push for the playoffs.It a great feeling, Hamilton said in the clubhouse at SunTrust Park before the opener of a three-game series against the Miami Marlins.I had chills going down my body when they called me the other morning and told me I had been claimed by the Braves. Hamilton was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals on Friday after a dismal season for both him and the rebuilding team https://www.abfansstore.com/Cole_Hamels_Jersey-36 . He was hitting .211 with no homers and 12 RBIs.The Braves claimed Hamilton off waivers to bolster their injury-plagued roster, which is missing outfielders Nick Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley, along with shortstop Dansby Swanson. All are on the 10-day injured list, and only Riley seems close to getting back on the field.For now, Hamilton will play a role off the bench, serving as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner. He had 18 stolen bases for the Royals.Hamilton will take whatever playing time he can get Nick Markakis Jersey .It like Christmas again, he said with a smile.It amazing to come here and be part of this winning organization.Hamilton spent six seasons in Cincinnati, where he was never much of a hitter but earned significant playing time with his speed and defensive prowess. He was a five-time finalist for the Gold Glove and had four straight seasons with more than 50 stolen bases.Youre talking about a guy with speed and a defender who can switch-hit, Braves manager Brian Snitker said.I think hell be a good addition, especially late in the game when you start moving guys around to try and defend.The Braves made it clear that Hamilton wont jump into a starting role. He is simply someone who can fill in the gaps while the team tries to work around the rash of injuries in its bid for a second straight NL East title.We talked to Billy about it when we signed him, Snitker said.He excited to be in a pennant race. Hell do whatever he can to help.The 28-year-old Hamilton is eager to jump-start his career after flopping in Kansas City. He is making $4 https://www.abfansstore.com/Marcell_Ozuna_Jersey-70 .25 million this year and has a $7.5 million mutual option for next season that includes a $1 million buyout.My hitting is where I want to get better, but that takes a little time. Ill have the offseason for that. he said.I want to do whatever I can to help this team win. Whatever job they need me to do, Ill do it https://www.abfansstore.com/Dansby_Swanson_Jersey-40 . If I have to sit out a few games and then play defense, Ill do it.Hamilton said his immediate goal is to show enough value that he is included on the Braves postseason roster.It not a given that I will be on the playoff roster, he said.My job is to come here and do what I can to be on that playoff roster.