TORONTO – It’s merely a coincidence that Dioner Navarro returns to Toronto at a time that the Blue Jays are an injury away from asking Darwin Barney to catch, but the timing underscores the value Navarro provided during his two-year stint with the team.
Navarro’s now catching every day for a Chicago White Sox team that recently lost Alex Avila to the disabled list. Meanwhile, Russell Martin, who displaced Navarro as Toronto’s starting catcher a year ago, continues battling neck spasms, meaning Josh Thole starts every day and Barney’s on call as a potential emergency catcher.
Even if Navarro’s nobody’s idea of a superstar, he’s perfectly capable of stepping in as a starter for extended periods thanks to his switch-hitting and game-calling abilities. That’s a luxury the White Sox are now enjoying after signing Navarro to a one-year, $4 million contract in December.
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While the Blue Jays had ‘some conversations’ with Navarro last winter, he wanted more regular playing time, which the White Sox were prepared to offer.
“I just want to play,” Navarro said Monday before visiting with former teammates and coaches at Rogers Centre. “Obviously with Russell being here and having the year he had last year — a great year — I knew my playing time was going to be limited (if I returned). I love the city, I love the team, I love everything about it, but I’ve got three kids myself, so I’ve got to look out for my family, too. When this opportunity showed up, I knew it was going to be the best.”
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons understands Navarro’s desire to find regular playing time, though he misses his personality and propensity for wearing FC Barcelona jerseys every possible moment.
“They all want to play,” Gibbons said. “Dino did a tremendous job for us, he really did, (and) he kept us updated on all the soccer around the world.”
So far the 32-year-old’s decision has worked out for all involved, as he’s getting the playing time he sought and the White Sox lead the American League Central with a 13-6 record. Chicago’s typically had quality starting pitching in recent years, but improved glovework has contributed to a strong start in 2016.
“They really focused a lot on defence. I think that’s how you win games: pitching and defence,” Navarro said. “Everything is going well. We’ve got to keep riding this bus as long as we can, because it’s a long season.”
Navarro knows that first-hand after a wild 2015 campaign in which the Blue Jays overcame a mediocre start to win their first division title in 22 years.
“We were a middle-of-the-pack team at the trade deadline, then Alex (Anthopoulos) went and made all of those trades,” Navarro said. “Everybody just started believing that this is where we belong, this is where we’re going to be. It was just great.
Along the way Navarro posted respectable numbers for a catcher, batting .246 with a .682 OPS in 54 games. He became the personal catcher for Marco Estrada, helping the right-hander to a breakout season and standout playoff run.
“The whole thing was great,” Navarro said. “Obviously (Jose) Bautista hitting that home run in Game 5 — it was crazy. It was a great experience. It was a great experience to share with my family. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the team, the city and the organization. I love it. I had a great time here.”
Clearly, the Blue Jays appreciate Navarro’s time in Toronto, too.
“He’s a pro,” Gibbons said. “I’ve always been a big fan of his.”
