Giants acquire Erik Kratz from Brewers
The San Francisco Giants have completed a deal to give Buster Posey a new backup catcher.
The Giants have acquired Erik Kratz from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor-league infielder C.J. Hinojosa, the team announced on Sunday.
The Brewers retained Kratz, 38, following a postseason when the veteran backstop was a hero multiple times. In nine playoff games, the journeyman posted a .292/.346/.375 slash line with two doubles, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Milwaukee. However, the offseason addition of Yasmani Grandal forced Kratz off the 25-man roster.
If and when Kratz makes an appearance for the Giants, he'll be taking the field for his eighth team in a nine-year career.
The Brewers quickly announced the signing of right-handed reliever Alex Wilson to a one-year contract, filling Kratz's spot on the 40-man roster.
The news comes one day after the Giants released Rene Rivera, appearing to open a roster spot for Aramis Garcia at the time.
Hinojosa, a 24-year-old minor-leaguer, played 74 games last year between High-A and Double-A. The infielder, capable of playing second base, third base, and shortstop, posted a .689 OPS with three homers and six stolen bases.