The Diamondbacks have claimed catcher Andrew Knizner off waivers and have optioned him to Triple-A Reno. As the corresponding 40-man roster move, the team has designated right-hander Luis Frías for assignment.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The #Dbacks claimed C Andrew Knizner off waivers from the Rangers and optioned him to Triple-A Reno.
In a corresponding move, RHP Luis Frías was designated for assignment.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 8, 2024
Knizner was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers after they acquired former Diamondback Carson Kelly ahead of the trade deadline. Arizona’s catching depth has been tested in recent weeks with Gabriel Moreno hitting the injured list on a left groin strain. Top prospect Adrian Del Castillo has already been called up to the majors. At the cost of a 40-man roster spot, Knizner offers capable emergency depth in case of another injury.
Del Castillo and José Herrera serve as the Diamondbacks catching options in the major leagues. Del Castillo is a bat-first catcher whose bat carries a passable defensive profile. He’s come a long way offensively and defensively this season, as he very much looked the part in his debut against the Cleveland Guardians. Herrera offers the exact opposite profile at catcher, a glove-first backstop with a good arm and a solid blocker behind the plate.
Knizner went through a very tough first season with the Rangers. He signed a major league deal worth $1.825 million after the St. Louis Cardinals cut him loose following the 2023 season. After hitting .167 with just one homer and a .394 OPS, the Rangers looked elsewhere for their catching answers.
Should Knizner not spend a day in the major leagues, he would be controllable through the 2026 season with four years and 21 days of service entering the 2024 season. However, that could come at the expense of his final option, putting the Diamondbacks in a tough position at the position next spring. That would give them two out-of-options catchers for 2025 between him and Herrera. Should Knizner not present himself as an option, he’s an obvious non-tender candidate in November.
Luis Frías’ has been removed from the 40-man roster after four up-and-down seasons between the majors and Triple-A. The hard-throwing right-hander has been unable to make due on his many opportunities to pitch to the major leagues. He missed two months with a right shoulder injury this season. In 54 career appearances, he has a 6.55 ERA and 4.98 FIP.
The Diamondbacks will have seven days to pass Frías through outright waivers. Should he clear, he would then be outrighted to Triple-A Reno.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
