As the walking wounded list grows at the backstop position, the Rays once again reach out for help. Their answer comes in the form of C Erik Kratz from the San Francisco Giants.
Kratz, 38, was designated for assignment by the Giants on May 13th. In 15 games this year, he hit just .125 and was placed on the 10-day IL from May 1st-10th because of a left hamstring strain.
He became the oldest player to make their post-season debut in 2018 with the Brewers since 1905 (Lave Cross). He appeared in nine of the 10 post-season games for Milwaukee last season. In 310 MLB games, he’s a .208 hitter with 31 home runs.
We’ve acquired C Erik Kratz and cash considerations in exchange for a PTBNL or cash considerations from the #SFGiants.
C Anthony Bemboom has been placed on the 10-day IL and P Aaron Slegers has been designated for assignment. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/99soCwgUxB
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 16, 2019
The Rays also receive cash and a player to be named later or further cash considerations in the trade.
The move comes after the team was forced to place rookie catcher Anthony Bemboom on the 10-day IL with a knee strain. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Aaron Slegers was designated for assignment. Kratz will join the Rays tomorrow in New York as they begin a three-game weekend series against the Yankees.
