Catcher Navarro reports to Blue Jays, Thole designated for assignment
Posted Aug 29, 2016 05:24:19 PM.
Last Updated Aug 29, 2016 06:00:30 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BALTIMORE – The Toronto Blue Jays have designated Josh Thole for assignment to make room for catcher Dioner Navarro.
The Blue Jays acquired Navarro from the Chicago White Sox for left-handed pitching prospect Colton Turner. He reported to the team Monday before the opening game of an American League East showdown with the Baltimore Orioles.
Navarro, who spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons in Toronto, gives the Blue Jays depth at catcher and the ability to give Russell Martin a rest.
Navarro has struggled a bit this season with a .210 batting average but he has driven in 32 runs.
Thole is primarily used as the catcher for knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, but his .158 average makes him a liability on offence.
He could return to the Blue Jays if he clears waivers.
