Dodgers acquire catcher Johnny Monell from Orioles

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Wednesday acquired minor league catcher Johnny Monell from the Baltimore Orioles for cash, both clubs announced.

Monell, 28, was hitting .209/.280/.286 with a home run and four doubles in 30 games in Triple-A Norfolk.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Monell would report to Triple-A Albuquerque, where the Isotopes currently have Griff Erickson and John Cannon as catchers on the active roster.

With A.J. Ellis on the disabled list, Tim Federowicz is in Los Angeles. With the release of catcher Miguel Olivo last week after he bit the ear of Alex Guerrero, the Dodgers organizational catching depth took a hit.

The Giants drafted Monell in the 30th round in 2007 out of Seminole Community College in Florida. He spent seven seasons in their minor league system before making his major league debut once rosters expanded in September 2013. The left-handed batting Monell was 1-for-8 with a hit-by-pitch and two runs scored in eight games in his brief major league experience.

Monell's father, Johnny Sr., played parts of 15 seasons in the minor league systems of the Mets, Angels and Rangers, plus the Mexican League and independent leagues. He reached as high as Triple-A but never made the majors.

The Giants traded Monell to Baltimore in November for cash. The Orioles designated Monell for assignment in March during spring training, removing him the 40-man roster, then outrighted him to Triple-A.

Tides manager Ron Johnson said of Monell, "He was big on the team. His personality was huge in here. Johnny’s good people," per David Hall of the Virginian-Pilot.

Monell tweeted after the move was announced.

Truly blessed and happy with my new opportunity with the Los Angeles dodgers! #DodgersNation

— Johnny Monell Jr. (@JMoE220) May 28, 2014