The Boston Red Sox added catching depth Sunday in the wake of Blake Swihart suffering an injury in Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
The Red Sox claimed veteran catcher Erik Kratz off waivers from the Royals. Kratz was designated for assignment June 11 following a stint on the 15-day disabled list with plantar fasciitis.
Kratz, 35, has appeared in 180 games over parts of six major league seasons with the Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. The right-handed hitting backstop appeared in four games with Kansas City earlier this season, making one start and going 0-for-4 with a sacrifice fly.
Kratz has some power despite just a .217 average and a .270 on-base percentage in 537 career plate appearances. He has 23 career homers, including nine in both 2012 (157 plate appearances) and 2013 (218 plate appearances) while with the Phillies.
Swihart, who left Saturday’s game with a left foot sprain, is considered day to day, though Red Sox manager John Farrell said the 23-year-old would be unavailable for Sunday’s series finale against the Royals. Sandy Leon started in Swihart’s absence with Mike Napoli serving as the backup catcher.
The Red Sox’s 40-man roster is at 39 after acquiring Kratz.
Thumbnail photo via Allan Henry/USA TODAY Sports Images
