The Padres will designate catcher Rocky Gale for assignment, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic (Twitter link). That’ll open a 40-man spot to accommodate the signing of Eric Hosmer.
Gale, who is just days from his thirtieth birthday, has seen limited MLB time in parts of two seasons. He spent the bulk of 2017 playing at Triple-A, where he slashed .278/.328/.365 over 377 plate appearances.
Despite his lack of opportunities in the majors, Gale certainly has ample experience in the upper minors. He first reached Triple-A way back in 2011 and has seen at least some action at the highest level of the minors in every ensuing season.
San Diego could still included Gale in its camp competition for the reserve catching role if he ultimately clears waivers. For now, though, veteran A.J. Ellis is likely in the lead for the job as the backup to starter Austin Hedges. The only catcher currently on the 40-man is Luis Torrens, who was kept on the active roster last year as a Rule 5 pick. Minor-league signee Rafael Lopez is also in camp along with non-roster invitees Stephen McGee and Austin Allen (neither of whom has yet appeared in the majors).
Good organizational catcher but was surprised he lasted on 40-man until now.
Very good organizational catcher who will most likely clear waivers. At the beginning of spring training everyone loads up on catching for bullpens for al the pitchers invited to camp. Don’t see anyone giving him a 40 man spot right now.
Looks like the Padres waited until AJ ELlis was on board before rolling the dice on trying to sneak Gale back to AAA. Thought he was going to be the one to go every time a 40 man spot needed to be created.
He’s better than Hosmer
Lol….not true, but still funny!
Yet another option for the Yankees who is better than Austin Romine, because he’s a catcher who’s not Austin Romine.
Are you kidding ? Romine is a great backup, they don’t expect him to hit much.
If I were you I would be more concerned about Gary Sanchez’s Defense. He can be Brutal at times.
Colorado would be a great fit, wonder if they’ll claim him
Rockies have Tony Wolters, Tom Murphy, and Chris Iannetta on the 40-man. Don’t see a fit.
I was going for lamest joke of the day award… Rocky…. get it? HA!
Should’ve said Colorado would be a great fit for Rocky…
I don’t see him vaulting over Jayhawk Owens on the depth chart
Maybe he now has time to play Gayle Force Winds
I hear he is going to retire and become a meteorologist on your local news station.
Thirtieth looks really weird written out…
It’s a stormy weather day for poor Rocky Gale.
Too bad, i think he can make a very decent backup C.
Will always remember how excited he was when he hit his 1st MLB homer. Was a great moment.
sub-700 OPS in the PCL and 30 years old
Based on logic, he should clear, but you never know.
2 hits in the majors and 1 is a HR. Make it count, I guess…
Moonlight Graham likes this.
if A.J Ellis does horribly, there’s still a chance he makes the team
Does that mean Ellis will make their roster?
Most likely, Hedges needed a veteran presence as a back up C. You can’t go get a young guy to back up Hedges because he would never play. Hedges will catch around 140 games which on leaves 22 for a backup, a guy like Rocky Gale would never to play more regularly than that to stay fresh. AJ Ellis is used to that role and will be nothing but helpful as a mentor to Hedges.
Where’s friendofboras, aka Rocky Gale’s #1 fan?