The Pirates designated catcher Erik Kratz for assignment, per a team announcement. Pittsburgh has activated fellow receiver Francisco Cervelli, precipitating the move. The Bucs also announced that Jameson Taillon has been activated, with fellow righty Chad Kuhl optioned to make way.
[Related: Updated Pirates Depth Chart]
The 36-year-old Kratz has endured an awful year offensively, recording only eight hits in 87 plate appearances, and owns a lifetime .200/.248/.362 batting line at the major league level. Like many veteran receivers, though, he’s valued more for his work behind the dish. It seems likely that he’ll either stick with the Pittsburgh organization after clearing waivers or move on to provide depth to another club.
So is MLBTR no longer hosting chats with Jeff and Steve? Now seems like the best time of the year with the trade deadline rapidly approaching, not sure why Jeff and Steve no longer have weekly chats on Tuesday and Thursday…..
Any explanation as to why this is the case would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Because it’s going on right now?
Didn’t start until after my comment was posted. Get your facts straight
Happy trails, Kratz. My Lord, you are an awful hitter.
Very disappointed to see Kuhl demoted. How can you demote a starting pitcher who has been your best starter over the past month? Outside of the one bad start vs. Cubs, Kuhl has been great. Just tossed 6 innings of 1-hit ball vs. Nats on Sunday.
Have to try to showcase Locke and hope someone will offer something for him.
That could be the only reason I would agree with. They have already confirmed to be shopping him around, so hopefully he can have 1 more positive start and entice another team to trade for him. It’d be nice if Liriano could follow suit.
I think they demoted him because he is the only candidate that still has options.
He’s a rookie he’s not going to be consistent, Niese will be gone soon hopefully and they’ll let Kuhl get more big league experience
Kratz would be a good depth pick-up for the Indians.
Only kratz has going for him was that awesome chest piece
Kratz’s throwing arm is outstanding. He threw out a couple of guys at 2nd throwing from his knees over last couple weeks. Too bad he doesn’t hit and is possibly slowest base runner in baseball. Will be interesting to see if Bucs try to keep him. When Chris Stewart is ready to play, Bucs will likely designate Eric Fryer, they might lose him because he is significantly better than Kratz with he bat. So, do you keep Kratz as insurance against losing Fryer? Possible Stewart may not be back soon, so this could be moot.
I’m worried that Stewart will try to play through the pain and either fail or be significantly hampered by said pain. I’d rather have him opt for surgery and keep fryer as the backup.
so long eric, thanks for the homer off madbum!