Caleb Joseph Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 3" / 180 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 6/18/1986 (37)
- Experience
- 6
- College
- Lipscomb
Caleb Joseph Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Caleb Joseph News
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.
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.