In a surprise move that was announced just prior to the start of Friday’s game, the Jays have traded for catcher Dioner Navarro in exchange for minor-league left-handed pitcher Colton Turner.
The @BlueJays have acquired C Dioner Navarro from Chicago in exchange for LHP Colton Turner. Welcome back Dioner! pic.twitter.com/cRFcXhhbGh
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 26, 2016
Navarro, of course, was the Jays’ full time catcher in 2014 and the back-up catcher behind Russell Martin last season. He left Toronto at the end of 2015 as a free agent and signed a one-year $4 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. In 85 games thus far this season, he’s batting .210/.267/.339 with an OPS of .606. He provides a switch-hitting bat off the bench and will likely back-up Martin once again, which is of particular importance given the likelihood of R.A. Dickey being left off the playoff roster, negating the need for Josh Thole.
It is also noteworthy that Narvarro caught Marco Estrada last season. Given Estrada’s recent struggles on the mound, it will be interesting to see if the two become battery mates once again. The Jays have often looked to carry a third catcher during September’s expanded roster period, and without an heir apparent in the Jays system, Navarro fills that role.
Colton Turner is a twenty-five year old lefty who had been playing with the Double-A New Hampshire Fishercats, where he had a 3-1 record with an ERA of 1.33 and a WHIP of 1.09 in 54 innings pitched.
Lead photo- Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
I thought players signed after the trading deadline couldn’t be on the post-season roster.
As long as the player is acquired before Aug. 31st he can be on the playoff roster.