The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled catcher Caleb Joseph from Triple-A Reno Wednesday afternoon before their game against the Texas Rangers. The 32-year-old spent the past five seasons in Baltimore, hitting .224 with 31 home runs and 122 RBI in 402 career games. Arizona has had some success at the plate from the catcher spot in Carson Kelly, but John Ryan Murphy, the second catcher on the roster, has struggled. Joseph's promotion coincides with pitcher Jon Duplantier getting sent down to Reno. It remains to be seen just how much playing time Joseph will have, but he could engage Murphy in a position battle for backup catcher.
Carson Kelly, Caleb Joseph To Lock Horns In Camp Battle
Arizona Diamondbacks executive vice president and general manager Mike Hazen said the team is expected to keep three backstops. Catchers Alex Avila and John Ryan Murphy are out of options, so it's likely they hold down two of the spots, with Carson Kelly and Caleb Joseph battling for the third job. Joseph has an option left, so he could begin the season at the Triple-A level if Kelly beats him out. Kelly could also see time in the minors if the team feels he isn't ready to handle a majority of the starts, as it's unlikely they'll want him languishing on the bench instead of playing every day down on the farm.
The Baltimore Orioles non-tendered shortstop Tim Beckham and catcher Caleb Joseph on Friday, making them both free agents. Beckham hit .394 with a 1.062 OPS and 18 extra-base hits in August of 2017 after being acquired, but then hit .180 the rest of that year. He hit only .230 with a .661 OPS in a starting role in 2018 and also needed core muscle surgery. The former No. 1 overall pick of the Rays still has upside and will land on his feet, but he's more of a utility infielder than full-time starter. Joseph hit just .219 with three home runs and a .575 OPS this year. The 32-year-old is a backup at the major league level.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph had a big game at the plate in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Rangers, going 2-for-4 with a single, a double, and three RBI. The 32-year-old backstop is now hitting just .208 with seven RBI in 136 plate appearances this season. He should not be owned in any leagues at this time, even two-catcher leagues.
Danny Valencia, Joey Rickard, Caleb Joseph Sitting Thursday
The Baltimore Orioles have reshuffled their lineup for their interleague matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. Catcher Caleb Joseph will sit in favor of Chance Sisco. Outfielders Joey Rickard and Danny Valencia will both sit. Jace Peterson will be at left field, while Mark Trumbo covers right field. Trey Mancini will be at first base. Chris David will serve as designated hitter. The Orioles have been terrible this season, with only Manny Machado providing any real superstar power for fantasy owners. That said, second baseman Jonathan Schoop has been swinging a hot bat lately and is a solid option for daily play today.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph was optioned to Triple-A on Thursday, and Andrew Susac was called up in a corresponding move to take the struggling Joseph's spot. Joseph was only hitting .182 with a .203 on-base percentage, while Susac currently has a .296/.424/.537 line with Triple-A Norfolk. Susac will split time behind the plate with the also-struggling Chance Sisco. None of Baltimore's catchers make palatable fantasy options at this point in the season.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph, who drove in one of the team's five runs on Friday, has been having a hot spring. He has to, because right now he's got three other backstops breathing down his neck to be the starter --Chance Sisco, Andrew Susacand Austin Wynns. So far, Joseph hasn't blinked, as he's hitting .438. Of course, that's to be taken with a grain of salt. Still, Joseph is also trying to remind fantasy owners that the Orioles have a catcher after Welington Castillo left for the White Sox. Take Joseph late if he gets the starting job.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.25 million contract. Joseph was eligible for arbitration for the first time this winter. He will compete for the starting job behind the plate in 2018.
Welington Castillo To Sit, Caleb Joseph Draws Start Wednesday
Baltimore Orioles catcher Welington Castillo will have Wednesday evening off. In his place will be catcher Caleb Joseph. Castillo has heated up recently with five hits over his past 15 at-bats. He is a streaky hitter and with catcher being weak he is worth rolling with. He is expected to be back in the lineup Thursday.
Welington Castillo To Rest, Caleb Joseph Draws Start Wednesday
The Baltimore Orioles will rest starting catcher Welington Castillo Wednesday evening versus the Cleveland Indians. Castillo was hit in his throwing shoulder last night and has been considered day-to-day. If he is needed tonight he will be available. Catcher Caleb Joseph will draw the start behind the plate tonight and bat in the No. 8 spot. For the season Joseph has hit .265 with 12 RBI and a pair of home runs. With Carlos Carrasco on the mound for the Tribe, Joseph is nothing more than a desperation play in daily leagues.