The Blue Jays have claimed righty Dominic Leone off waivers from the Diamondbacks, MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert reports on Twitter. Meanwhile, Toronto announced that catcher Josh Thole has elected free agency after clearing outright waivers.
Leone, 25, struggled through 27 MLB frames last year, posting a 6.33 ERA with 7.7 K/9 against 4.0 BB/9 while allowing an unhealthy number of home runs (seven). But he was much better at Triple-A, working to a 3.34 earned run average, notching 36 strikeouts versus 11 walks, and allowing only 25 hits in his 35 innings.
As for Thole, the departure of starter R.A. Dickey spelled the end of his time in Toronto. The 30-year-old had been trusted primarily to handle the knuckle-baller behind the dish, but hit just .169/.254/.220 over 136 plate appearances.
Dominic Leone, I’m a bit mystified about that claim.
No umpire wants to call a ball on a 3-2 pitch from Dominic Leone.
I guess Thole better hope that the Braves have lots of catching injuries.
You mean nobody claimed Josh Thole? They will rue the day they passed on him.
Please turn into 2014 Domonic Leone
He was very frustrating to watch pitch for the Diamondbacks the last two seasons. He really could not get anything going at all.
Ya I’m not going to hold my breath. But hey, Boston had a bad player named Leon somehow be very productive last year, maybe it’s our turn this year.
Very true. With how things have gone in the last couple of years with pitchers leaving Arizona and going on to new levels of stardom, Leone will have a 7-1 record with an ERA around 2.00..
The Mets need a catcher and Sandy always likes dirt-cheap players. Who can pass on this one?
Thole will end up in the braves
Nope. Flowers is going to learn to catch Dickey. No need for Thole. His time in the majors is likely done.
The Braves are probably annoyed they just acquired Tuffy
So Thole is gone. Jays need a competent backup .Navarro is great team guy and he can hit a little. But I like Hundley.
now the question is:will the Braves hold their nose and sign Thole to accommodate Dickey. If not, looks like Thole may be out of a job in the majors.
Thole will go to the Braves…to be with Dickey
As a Mets fan, I always liked thole for some reason. I Wish him well and would be nice to play against him should he be in a braves uniform.