DENVER (AP) - Looking for depth behind the plate following Victor Martinez's injury, the Cleveland Indians acquired catcher Sal Fasano from the Atlanta Braves on Thursday for a player to be named.
The 36-year-old Fasano was hitting .193 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 26 games with Atlanta's Triple-A Richmond affiliate. He was a non-roster invitee to spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays before being given his unconditional release on March 25.Fasano signed a minor league deal with Atlanta on April 4.
"This was an opportunity for us to bring in a quality, veteran guy to help complement our current catching situation," Indians assistant general manager John Mirabelli said. "Here is a guy that has a lot of experience, is a very good receiver, throws the ball well and handles the pitching staff exceptionally well."
Fasano has played in 412 major league games over 10 seasons. He is a career .219 hitter with 47 home runs and 134 RBIs. He last appeared at the major league level with Toronto in 2007.
Kelly Shoppach is currently handling most of the catching duties while Martinez is recovering from right elbow surgery. The operation was performed June 13 and Martinez is expected to be sidelined six to eight weeks.
To make room for Fasano on the roster, the Indians designated catcher Yamid Haad for assignment.
