The Yankees have acquired 37-year-old catcher Erik Kratz from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash considerations. The move was made to add catching depth, as the Yanks may be without both Major League catchers for a few games.
Gary Sanchez and Austin Romine are still awaiting final word on punishments for their roles in the brawl against the Detroit Tigers on August 24. Initially, MLB suspended Sanchez for four games and Romine for two, but both have opted to appeal those decisions. Although suspensions for both players are highly likely, Joe Girardi stated that Sanchez and Romine won’t serve their punishments at the same time.
Kratz has been a journeyman throughout his career, playing with the Phillies, Royals, Pirates, Astros and Blue Jays. He has spent all of 2017 with the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Typically known for his defense, Kratz has hit a respectable .270 this year in the minors, with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs.
