The Texas Rangers projected Geovany Soto to be their starting catcher this season when they let A.J. Pierzynski walk after the 2013 season and planned on promoting Soto from a backup role to a primary catcher role. It didn't take long for those plans to derail, as the former NL Rookie of the Year injured his knee in a Cactus League game and needed surgery to repair torn meniscus.
On Sunday, the Rangers dealt the 31-year-old backstop to rival Oakland, putting Soto in the thick of a pennant race after playing only 10 games for the Rangers, thanks to two separate stints on the disabled list. There were no other players involved in the deal, as the Rangers just received $100,000 from Oakland.
Soto, who also dealt with an arrest this season for marijuana possession in Grapevine while on a rehab assignment, hit .237 in those 10 games and added a home run and three RBIs for the Rangers. The move doesn't make Soto an everyday player in Oakland either, where he will just provide depth to the A's behind the plate, joining the likes of Derek Norris, John Jaso and Stephen Vogt, an outfielder who can also catch, if needed.
The move clears the way for Robinson Chirinos to get a further extended look as a full-time catcher, along with a chance to see call-up Tomas Telis get a sniff at catching in the majors.
