The Mariners have claimed catcher Rob Brantly off waivers from the White Sox, MLB.com’s Scott Merkin tweets. It’s not entirely clear why Chicago exposed him now, though perhaps it seemed an opportune time to attempt to pass the out-of-options player through waivers.
Brantly, 26, largely lost his chance at an active roster spot with the offseason addition of veterans Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro. In Seattle, he could challenge fellow left-handed hitter Steve Clevenger to back up Chris Iannetta behind the dish.
Since a brief but promising first taste of the majors way back in 2012, Brantly has spent most of his time in the upper minors. All told, he owns a .225/.286/.317 batting line over 392 plate appearances at the major league level. He did have his best-ever minor league season last year, carrying a .310/.335/.483 slash with eight home runs in 215 trips to the dish at Double-A and Triple-A.
Saw him a few years ago in NOLA, and thought he had finally put it back together. Like most AAA players, had to learn to hit the breaking ball better, but defensively above average.
One less team needing a back up for when Holaday is probably sent down.
Right now I see Romero winning the right handed first base spot, Sardinas as utility infielder, and either o mally or Robertson on the bench
Gotta disagree on Romero. Yes he’s off to a hot start in spring training but he has options remaining and the team will lose montero (and possibly Lee) if they’re mpyt on the team\
Re: omalley and Robertson, neither has a shot barring an injury. Do the math.
6 infielders include utility guy and RH 1B. 5 OFs including Cruz. 2 catchers. 12
Pitchers. Who doesn’t make the team to make room for a 6th OF or a 7th infielder?
Your math doesn’t make sense, it’s a 25 man roster not 24
Unfortunately, You almost have to start the season with your out of option guys on the roster or lose them. Montero isn’t the only one without options.