KC Royals: Erik Kratz Claimed By Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox claimed former KC Royals backup catcher Erik Kratz off waivers on Sunday, according to Major-league Trade Rumors.

Apparently, the Kansas City Royals were unable to interest another team into making a deal for the 35-year-old Kratz before the 10-day deadline that requires a team to offer Kratz on waivers after designating him for assignment.

If the Red Sox had not claimed Kratz, the KC Royals would have been able to offer him a minor-league assignment.

Erik Kratz fills a need for the Red Sox after incumbent backup catcher Blake Swihart sprained his left foot. Swihart is listed as day-to-day.

Kratz joined the Kansas City Royals in July of 2014 in a deal that sent utility infielder Danny Valencia to the Blue Jays. In return the KC Royals acquired AAA pitcher Liam Hendricks and Kratz, who displaced Francisco Pena as the team’s backup catcher.

Erik Kratz appeared in 13 games for the Royals down the stretch in 2014, hitting .276/.290/.517 in 31 plate appearances. For the season, Kratz hit a rather less impressive .218/.243/.634, which included 84 plate appearances for Toronto.

Kratz’s best game in a Kansas City Royals uniform came on August 18, 2014 when he went 2 for 2, with 2 home runs and 2 RBI’s in a 6-4 win over Minnesota. Catcher Salvador Perez left the game with a sore knee, allowing Kratz to two solo home runs that ended up being the difference in the game. It is the only multi-homer game in Erik Kratz’s major-league career.

You can see video by clicking below:

However, Kratz only managed to appear in 4 games with only 5 plate appearances in 2015 before going on the disabled list on May 8. Kratz did not get a hit for the KC Royals this season, but did manage one RBI.

The KC Royals traded AAA infielder Ryan Jackson to the Los Angeles Angels for catcher Drew Butera to fill-in for Kratz while he recovered from his injury. But, the Royals then decided to award the job to Butera and designated Kratz for assignment.

Erik Kratz has played for Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Toronto, Kansas City, and now Boston in his six-year career.

Next: Erik Kratz Claimed By Red Sox Off Waivers

More from Kings of Kauffman

Home/KC Royals News