The D-backs introduced Friday that they’ve claimed catcher René Pinto off waivers from the Orioles. Baltimore designated him for project per week in the past to create roster area free of charge agent signee Charlie Morton. Arizona already had two open spots on their 40-man roster, so there’s no corresponding transfer.
Pinto modifications fingers for the second time this offseason. Baltimore had claimed him off waivers from the Rays inside days of the top of the World Collection. Their subsequent signing of Gary Sánchez to an $8.5MM free agent deal indicated that Pinto’s tenure with the O’s might be temporary. The 28-year-old is out of minor league choices. Baltimore couldn’t ship him to Triple-A with out exposing him to waivers. The Orioles will go along with Adley Rutschman and Sánchez as their duo behind the plate.
Whereas Pinto has a greater likelihood of holding his roster spot in Arizona, that’s not at all assured. Gabriel Moreno is locked in because the starter. Jose Herrera has spent components of three seasons because the backup. Herrera can be out of choices. It’s unlikely that the Diamondbacks will carry three catchers into the common season. The Snakes may let Pinto and Herrera compete for the #2 job throughout Spring Coaching.
Alternatively, Adrian Del Castillo may squeeze them each off the roster. He had a monster yr in Triple-A (.312/.399/.603) and hit .313/.368/.525 in his first 25 large league video games. Del Castillo isn’t thought-about an particularly sturdy defender, nonetheless, so the Snakes may use him as a multi-positional bench bat moderately than threat thinning their catching depth by waiving Herrera and Pinto.
Pinto is a right-handed hitter who has appeared in components of three MLB seasons for Tampa Bay. He owns a .231/.263/.404 slash with 10 homers throughout 237 profession plate appearances. Pinto confirmed some energy in a small pattern in 2023. That earned him the Opening Day catching project final season, however he struggled behind the dish. Opponents went 18-19 in stolen base makes an attempt over simply 135 innings. Pinto additionally dedicated a handed ball and was behind the plate for seven wild pitches.
Tampa Bay optioned him and saved him in Triple-A for the remainder of the season. He hit simply .191/.257/.373 over 53 video games with their high affiliate and was by no means known as again up. Pinto’s broader offensive monitor document within the minors is extra spectacular. He’s a .253/.303/.487 hitter throughout 907 Triple-A plate appearances spanning 4 seasons.
