Cleveland Indians' hot prospects get taste of pros: Spring Training 2015 (photos)

First baseman Jesus Aguilar, a member of the Indians organization for nine years, was dropped from the 40-man roster on Thursday.

(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Jesus Aguilar, who hit home runs everywhere but in the big leagues, has been designated for assignment by the Indians.

They dropped Aguilar from the 40-man roster Thursday after claiming infielder Richie Shaffer on waivers from the Reds. Shaffer played in parts of the 2015 and 2016 seasons with Tampa Bay. Last year, while bouncing between first and third base, he hit .250 (12-for-48) with six doubles, one homer and four RBI.

Shaffer struck out 18 times, while drawing just five walks.

He has shown power at Class AAA, hitting 11 homers with the Durham Bulls last season and 19 each in 2014 and 2015.

Aguilar, 26, was not only out of options, but probably out of luck with the Indians. He's been in their system for nine years and has pounded the ball throughout his minor-league career. Last season he led the International League at Class AAA Columbus with 30 homers and 92 RBI.

He hit 16 homers and drove in a 105 runs at Class AA Akron in 2013. He followed that up by hitting 19 homers at Columbus in 2014 and 2015. In winter ball, he was a terror for Caracas in his native Venezuela. He hit .327 (74-for-266) with 18 homers and 50 RBI in 58 games in 2013.

But all that production never showed itself in the big leagues.

The 6-3, 260-pound Aguilar didn't get a lot of chances with the Tribe. In parts of three seasons in the big leagues, he had 58 at-bats and hit .172. He hit 140 homers in the minors, but not one in the big leagues.

Shaffer was Tampa's first round pick in 2012. The Rays named him the minor league player of the year in 2015.

He has been on baseball's merry-go-round since the end of last season. In November he was traded to Seattle. Later Philadelphia, Cincinnati and now the Indians claimed him off waivers. He has two options left.