Dodgers sign Rocky Gale to minor league deal

PHOENIX — The Dodgers added another catcher to their stable here at Camelback Ranch, signing Rocky Gale to a minor league deal that includes a non-roster invitation to major league camp.

The deal was first reported by Chris Cotillo of SB Nation.

Gale hit .278/.328/.365 in 103 games for Triple-A El Paso last season, and in eight years in the Padres system hit .259/.306/.324 in the minors. He turned 30 last Thursday.

San Diego designated Gale for assignment last Tuesday to make room for free agent signee Eric Hosmer, then released him two days later.

Gale has reached the majors in two of the last three seasons with San Diego, going 1-for-10 in both 2015 and 2017. The hit last season was a two-run home run against Robbie Ray.

“He receives well,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We’ll see how it all plays out, but we’re happy to have him.”

The Dodgers have pretty strong catching depth with Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes at the major league level, plus Kyle Farmer on the 40-man roster and top prospects Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith also in camp. That makes the Gale addition a little surprising.

“This is a world class organization. They have one of the strongest catching corps in all of baseball,” Gale said. “I’m just happy to be here and be part of the organization.”

Gale will wear number 91 with the Dodgers.

The signing of Gale now means there are 65 players in Dodgers major league camp, one of the most crowded spring trainings at Camelback Ranch in years.