The Toronto Blue Jays added another catcher on Monday, claiming veteran Eli Whiteside off waivers, the team announced.
The claim was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of foxsports.com.
The addition of Whiteside gives the Blue Jays four major-league calibre catchers and added depth at the position should they decide to move one of the other three — J.P. Arencibia, John Buck or Travis d’Arnaud — in a trade.
#BlueJays claim Eli Whiteside. Becomes fourth catcher. Non-tendered Bobby Wilson last week. Still could trade Arencibia or Buck.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 3, 2012
Last week Toronto failed to tender a contract to catcher Bobby Wilson, making him a free agent.
In 2012, Whiteside appeared in 12 games (11 at-bats) for the San Francisco Giants, posting a line of .091/.214/.182/.396.
The 33-year-old, right-handed hitter spent the majority of 2012 with the Giants triple-A affiliate in Fresno where he batted .224/.296/.303/.600 in 60 games.
On Nov. 5 the New York Yankees claimed Whiteside off waivers from the Giants. On Nov. 26 the Yankees and Whiteside agreed on a one-year contract worth $625,000 in the major leagues and $200,000 in the minors.
Two days later — needing to make room on the 40-man roster after signing Andy Pettitte — the Yankees designated Whiteside for assignment.
Over parts of five big-league seasons (489 at-bats), Whiteside has 10 career home runs and a slash line of .215/.273/.335/.608.
