Jarrod Saltalamacchia has found work.
Saltalamacchia, who was released by the Miami Marlins earlier this week, on Thursday agreed to a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the signing team announced.
The Diamondbacks have received little production from the catching position this season, so it makes sense for them to take a flier on Saltalamacchia. The 30-year-old catcher has struggled at the plate since signing a three-year, $21 million contract with Miami before last season, but he posted an .804 OPS in 2013 and slugged 25 homers in 2012 while with the Boston Red Sox.
Saltalamacchia told WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford on Wednesday that he was hoping for a reunion with the Red Sox, who are relying on rookie catcher Blake Swihart and backup Sandy Leon following injuries to Christian Vazquez and Ryan Hanigan. But Boston reportedly didn’t express interest in Salty.
Saltalamacchia will head to Triple-A to garner some at-bats before joining the D-Backs’ major league club, according to Jack Magruder of FOX Sports Arizona. The nine-year veteran hasn’t appeared in a game since April 23 because of paternity leave, his designation for assignment and his release.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
