Erik Kratz joins Rays to fill catchers spot in the team

The Tampa Bay Rays, with three catchers on the injured list, acquired veteran catcher Erik Kratz from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations Thursday. The Giants will also send cash to Tampa Bay to help pay for $1.5 million owed to Kratz, who was designated for assignment by San Francisco on Monday. Kratz hit .125 (4 for 32) with the Giants this season.

Kratz, 38, will take the place of rookie Anthony Bemboom, who was placed on the IL after suffering a left knee sprain on Wednesday. Kratz joins Travis d'Arnaud, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers last Friday, as the Rays' catchers. Tampa Bay catchers Mike Zunino and Michael Perez are also on the IL. Rookie Nick Ciuffo briefly has been on the major league roster, but the Rays prefer to get him regular playing time at Triple-A Durham.

Kratz has a .208 batting average with eight teams over a 10-year career in the majors. Tampa Bay designated for assignment right-handed pitcher Aaron Slegers to make room for Kratz on the 40-man roster.

(With inputs from agencies.)