Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell unveiled his catching rotation plans for the upcoming season and barring injury, veteran Erik Kratz is the odd man out.
The Brewers aren’t expected to break spring training camp with more than two catchers, but the 38-year-old Kratz gives them insurance if something were to happen with either starter Yasmani Grandal or his top backup Manny Pina.
“It’s a tough spot for Erik; we understand that,” Counsell said on Wednesday. “He made a very meaningful contribution. Acquiring Yasmani kind of put us in that spot.
Grandal started 110 games and played in 135 games for the Dodgers last season. Manny Pina made 84 starts for the Brewers while Kratz started 54.
The Brewers first official workout with pitchers and catchers was cut short on Thursday by rain. There is more precipitation in the forecast today.