Matt Seelinger Acquired By Giants In Kratz Deal

In need of a catcher after a series of injuries to Mike Zunino, Michael Perez and Anthony Bemboom, the Rays last week made a small deal to acquire veteran Erik Kratz from the Giants. He joins fellow new acquisition Travis d’Arnaud to form Tampa Bay’s catching duo until one of their regulars recovers.

To complete the deal, the Rays sent minor league righthander Matt Seelinger, whom they acquired from Pittsburgh for shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria last August, to the Giants.

RAYS ACQUIRE

Erik Kratz, C
Age: 38

As far as picking up backup catchers goes, a team could do worse than Kratz. He’s played for nine clubs in his decade-long big league career but has never played even 70 games in a year. The consummate backup, he’s thrown out 32 percent of attempted basestealers in his career, has pitched three innings and went 5-for-8 in last year’s Division Series appearance against the Rockies.

GIANTS ACQUIRE

Matt Seelinger, RHP
Age: 24

Originally a 17th-round selection of the Pirates in 2017, Seelinger was dealt to the Rays in 2018 before moving again on Monday. The righthander brings a low-90s fastball and a downer curveball from a high slot. He had success at low Class A last year but had run into a little trouble at high Class A Charlotte this year.