Diamondbacks agree to sign Jarrod Saltalamacchia to minor-league deal
The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to sign veteran catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a minor-league deal when he clears waivers, the team announced Thursday.
Saltalamacchia, 30, was designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins last week and released Tuesday after the team couldn't work out a trade. He will clear waivers later Thursday.
Saltalamacchia signed a three-year, $21 million contract before the 2014 season, meaning the Marlins still owe him $14.2 million. The Diamondbacks would only have to pay him the minimum salary, which would be deducted from Miami's obligation.
Diamondbacks catcher Tuffy Gosewisch is batting .208 with no extra-base hits this season. Backup catcher Jordan Pacheco, who also plays both corner infield spots, has a .250 average and one home run in 34 plate appearances. Saltalamacchia has two-hits in 29 at-bats this season, a double and a home run.
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The Marlins gave Saltalamacchia $21 million after he batted .273 with an .804 OPS in 2013, both career-highs for a full season. He batted .220 with a career-high 143 strikeouts in his first season in Miami.
- Dan Gartland
