The Cleveland Indians have acquired catcher Chris Gimenez from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations, according to a report from Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Wednesday afternoon.
The news comes just a day following a deal which brought the club more organizational depth as catcher Bobby Wilson was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for LHP Chad Bell.
In a corresponding transaction, the Indians have designated catcher Adam Moore for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Per a report from Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, team president John Daniels spoke with the media ahead of the deal saying that it was unlikely the 33-year-old would remain with the club as there was said to be trade interest brewing within.
Gimenez came up with the Indians back in 2009 after having being drafted by the club in the 19th round of the 2004 amateur draft. He later signed in June of that season.
Could this be the perfect opportunity for Gimenez?
As noted by Scout.com, Gimenez is back in Cleveland for the third time in his major league career after his most recent stint with them having been in 2014.
Gimenez finished the 2015 season with the American League West Division Champions while recording a slash line of .255/.330/.490 to go alongside 5 home runs and 14 RBI's while having appeared in a total of 36 games played.
Moving back to where it all began, it could most certainly bring out the best in him. He could see more playing time behind the plate, splitting time with Yan Gomes while Carlos Santana remains at first base after a full transition took place during spring training.
Gimenez is yet to appear in a regular season game as he has spent the opening portion on the disabled list dealing with an ankle infection which occurred during the last week of March. He had most recently been designated on Tuesday morning.
Wilson is set to join the team Wednesday night as they get set for the third of a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre with a 25-man roster move soon to be announced.
As it stands right now, it is likely to be Bryan Holaday who isn't exactly healthy which could indeed land him on the disabled list, however, there is also a chance of Brad Nicholas being optioned given his slow start.
As noted by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, it is unlikely that top prospect outfielder Nomar Mazara finds his way back to Triple-A Round Rock as he has been outstanding since his coming up back in April. Since joining the big league club, he has hit with a slash line of .325/.375/.468 to go alongside three home runs and nine RBI's in a total of 20 games played. This includes 88 plate appearances.
In other news, Grant reports that Joey Gallo will miss the next three to four weeks as he is currently dealing with a Grade 1 left groin strain. Upon his return, where he plays will be questionable as Ian Desmond has been signed since and Delino DeShields and Shin-Soo Choo have the corner outfield spots at this point in time, however, given DeShields lack of production, he could be sent down which would make room for Gallo when he is ready to return.