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After losing three catchers to injury, the Rays acquired 39-year old catcher Erik Kratz (who had been designated by the Giants) to help fill the void at back stop alongside Travis d’Arnaud.
Coming off a 2018 post-season with the Brewers, Kratz has performed well as an emergency option, but with the return of the team’s primary catcher, it was time for another designation for assignment.
It’s a shame, because honestly I’ve liked his work behind the plate. I would have liked to see what the Rays could have done with two catchers on the bench or by trying d’Arnaud in the field, but alas Kratz will be on the move to the minors or elsewhere.
Erik Kratz throws out speedster Jonathan Davis from a knee. #RaysUp 1#LetsGoBlueJays 2
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) May 30, 2019
Catch the @RaysBaseball LIVE on FOX Sports Sun l FOX Sports Go. pic.twitter.com/KoaocSfDgb
On the season Kratz has seen 53 plate appearances, and reached base seven times, but he wasn’t acquired for his offense.
Notably, Kratz spoke well of his teammates and the Rays culture along the way.
Nine-year veteran C Erik Kratz on #Rays: "This organization allows everybody to be who they are. Every guy is able to contribute here from the first guy to the 25th guy. Sometimes you're on teams and guys dont fit in. There's none of that here. It's so awesome to be part of."
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) May 30, 2019
Best of luck, Kratz.