Diamondbacks Release Rod Barajas

The Diamondbacks released catcher Rod Barajas, tweets Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.  The D'Backs had signed Barajas to a minor league deal in February, but they've decided to go with Wil Nieves as Miguel Montero's backup behind the dish.  And, they avoid paying Barajas a $100K retention bonus.

Barajas, 37, hit .206/.283/.343 in 361 plate appearances for the Pirates last year, throwing out only six of the 99 attempted basestealers.  His 136 career home runs rank fifth among active catchers.