The Dodgers addressed their lack of catching depth on Saturday, claiming backstop John Baker on waivers from the Padres. The Dodgers optioned the 32-year-old catcher to Triple-A Albuquerque.
On Friday, the Dodgers designated catcher Ramon Hernandez for assignment, a vote of confidence for Tim Federowicz as the backup to starter A.J. Ellis. But one of the reasons Hernandez was even with the team in the first place is because the lack of catchers in the system. Now with Baker, the Dodgers have a major league ready third catcher that can wait in Triple-A.
Baker hit .150/.261/.150 (6-for-40) in 16 games for the Padres this season, and was designated for assignment on Monday. In parts of six seasons with the Marlins and Padres, Baker is a career .258/.342/.364 hitter.
Baker was also on the field during the Dodgers' brawl with the Padres on Apr. 11, and was originally thought to be the San Diego player mocking that Zack Greinke broke his collarbone that set Jerry Hairston off. Though Baker vehemently denied any such role, and was one of the one who helped pull Greinke off the pile.
Here is video of Baker discussing the brawl per Marty Caswell of 1090 AM in San Diego:
Baker is making $930,000 this season, so with 107 days remaining in the 183-day season the Dodgers are on the hook for approximately $543,770.
There are now 40 players on the Dodgers' 40-man roster, plus Chad Billingsley and Scott Elbert, who are on the 60-day disabled list.