Detroit Tigers release veteran catcher Eric Haase, sign free agent C Carson Kelly with eye on future
CLEVELAND (AP) — With an eye toward improving their catching in the future, the Detroit Tigers designated veteran Eric Haase for assignment and signed free agent catcher Carson Kelly on Saturday.
Haase has been with Detroit since 2020. The 30-year-old has struggled at the plate, especially against left-handers with just a .129 average.
Haase caught the second game of Friday night's doubleheader before manager A.J. Hinch told him he was being designated.
“It's tough to deliver that type of news to someone who is universally liked, loved, respected,” Hinch said. “He had some really cool moment for us here. Unfortunately, it hasn't gone great this year.”
Haase grew up in Detroit and always wanted to play for his childhood team, and Hinch said his connection to the team made the decision that much harder.
“He did a lot of things for us and organization,” Hinch said. “I was close to Eric. I think he's terrific. He helped. It wasn't working out here as well as it had in previous years."
Kelly was released earlier this week by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Once he settles in, the 29-year-old will likely split time with Jake Rogers, who has solidified himself as Detroit's No. 1 catcher.
Kelly struggled at the plate this season, batting .226 with one homer and six RBIs in 33 games.
“He can do a lot,” Hinch said. “We think we can improve his receiving. He's got some power. He's got experience. He's a well-rounded, all-around catcher.”
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
-
The Astros are loaded but they keep losing. Could they become sellers?
Pittsburgh Pirates calling up top MLB prospect Paul Skenes
MLB's top 10 DH seasons of all time: Will Shohei Ohtani log No. 1?
-
Ex-MLB player Monte Harrison, 28, plans to walk on with Arkansas football
2024 MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers or Phillies NL's best?
MLB warns teams against encouraging players to leave high school, avoid amateur draft
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
20 Best pitchers in MLB 2024: Ranking the top 20 starters
Cubs' Cody Bellinger returns from injured list, homers in 2nd at-bat vs. Padres
-
The Astros are loaded but they keep losing. Could they become sellers?
Pittsburgh Pirates calling up top MLB prospect Paul Skenes
MLB's top 10 DH seasons of all time: Will Shohei Ohtani log No. 1?
-
Ex-MLB player Monte Harrison, 28, plans to walk on with Arkansas football
2024 MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers or Phillies NL's best?
MLB warns teams against encouraging players to leave high school, avoid amateur draft
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
20 Best pitchers in MLB 2024: Ranking the top 20 starters
Cubs' Cody Bellinger returns from injured list, homers in 2nd at-bat vs. Padres