Detroit Tigers sign catcher Craig Albernaz to minor-league deal, lose catcher Adolfo Reina in Rule 5 draft

Craig Albernaz.jpg

A career minor-league catcher, Craig Albernaz spent seven years in the Tampa Bay Rays' organization before signing a minor-league deal with the Detroit Tigers.

(AP File Photo)

Craig Albernaz

DETROIT -- The Tigers lost catching prospect Adolfo Reina in the minor-league phase of Thursday's Rule 5 Draft when the Padres plucked him from their Double-A Erie roster.

It didn't take long for Detroit to find a replacement.

Veteran catcher Craig Albernaz, 31, has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Tigers, a club official confirmed Friday. He is expected to open the season with the Erie SeaWolves.

A career .204 hitter in the minors, Albernaz has spent seven years in the Tampa Bay Rays' organization. Last season, he batted .225 in 33 games with the Durham Bulls, the Rays' Triple-A affiliate.

With the addition of Albernaz, who is expected to back up Ramon Cabrera in Erie, the Tigers seemingly have a pair of catchers etched in stone at nearly every minor-league level.

Catching prospect James McCann and veteran Ronnie Paulino are expected to open the season in Triple-A Toledo. Cabrera and Albernaz will likely start in Double-A, and Luis Alberto Sanz and John Murrian at Single-A Lakeland. Austin Green and Bennett Pickar are projected to open the season in Class A West Michigan.

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