The Reds announced that they have claimed catcher Michael Papierski off waivers from the Giants and optioned him to Triple-A Louisville. The Reds recently placed Jeff Hoffman on the COVID-related IL, opening up a spot on the 40-man roster for this claim.
Papierski began this season in the Astros organization but went to the Giants in May as part of the Mauricio Dubon trade. A week later, he was selected to the big league roster as Curt Casali was placed on the concussion IL. Once Casali returned a week later, Papierski was optioned back to the minors. When the Giants claimed Yermin Mercedes off waivers from the White Sox recently, Papierski was designated to create room for him.
Papierski got into five MLB games with San Fran but wasn’t able to manage a hit in ten plate appearances. In 40 Triple-A games between the Astros’ and Giants’ organizations, he’s hit .210/.297/.308. That only amounts to a wRC+ of 53, though more encouraging signs can be found in his 10.3% walk rate and 16.4% strikeout rate, both of those being better than average. His .223 BABIP suggests some positive regression could be forthcoming.
Tyler Stephenson, the Reds’ primary catcher, landed on the IL earlier this month with a thumb fracture. He’s yet to even begin a rehab assignment, suggesting he’s not close to a return. Since he’s been gone, the club has been using Aramis Garcia and Chris Okey behind the plate, both of whom currently have a wRC+ below 25. Papierski will head to Louisville to alongside fellow catcher Mark Kolozsvary, to provide the club with some extra catching depth.
Nice 1 gigantes
Mike Papier-mâché @foreverGiant
Farhan really pooped the bed with the Dubon trade. I understand he hasn’t lit it up with Houston but I know I’d rather have Dubon backing up the middle of the diamond than Donnie wet newspaper Walton
Walton is backing up the infield via triple A. Dubon was out of options and couldn’t get sent to triple A. If he could have, that’s where he would be.
No, Walton is on the active roster and was almost the entire time after the Dubon trade. And I am aware Dubon was out of options, I still didn’t understand trading him for a worthless back up catcher
Because he was about to be DFA’d and at the time, they needed a third catcher. It’s not rocket science.
It’s not rocket science to realize that Zaidi could have done a better job with the Dubon transaction… he got nothing for a guy that’s a better depth piece than Donavan Walton.
Sure thing, Mr internet GM. Dubon’s value to non Giants people is not be underestimated. I stand corrected.
It’s beyond ridiculous to assert that any PBO/GM could have gotten more than they did from a trade. That possibility only exists in the fans imagination. When the trade of a guy is forced, the return will be the best possible, always. To believe otherwise is to assume guys like FZ are lacking in baseball intelligence. He’s not.
Nah, I only believe that Farhan missed on the return. The folks that get defensive every time Farhan makes a rare mistake come out strong like I questioned his integrity.
What’s with all the “work from home” spam MLBTR?
I’ve reported it to MLBTR as an advertisement for the sex trade.