Dodgers Acquire Veteran Catcher Jose Lobaton From Mariners
By James.r
The MLB's abolition of the August waiver trade period has changed the dynamic of late-season transactions, with fewer potential splash moves to be made by contending teams. However, there are still a few ways for teams to add a piece or two at positions of need toward the end of the summer.
The Los Angeles Dodgers explored their options and decided to acquire catcher José Lobatón from the Seattle Mariners. While there are no typical trades allowed after July 31st, players (like Lobatón) not on a team's 40-man roster can still be dealt.
The #Dodgers acquire veteran Jose Lobaton from #Mariners for catching insurance.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 9, 2019
In return, the Mariners received cash considerations.
Lobatón has spent the entire 2019 season with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, Wash. The journeyman's appearance in Wednesday's game vs. the Oklahoma City Dodgers marked his 700th career minor league game, which eclipses his big league total by nearly 300.
Since his Major League debut in 2009, Lobatón is a career .215 hitter, and he last saw action in the Show with the Mets in 2018, when he batted .143 with 15 whiffs in 22 games.
The Dodgers announced they acquired catcher Jose Lobaton from the Mariners for cash considerations. He was assigned to triple-A OKC. Keibert Ruiz recently broke a finger so Lobaton fills a hole on the depth chart.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 9, 2019
José is not a supremely talented player, but he will provide some organizational depth at an important position. While he'll be in Triple-A for now, he could be promoted if another catcher goes down.