Blue Jays sign catcher Blanco to one-year deal

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Bryan Shaw, left, talks with catcher Henry Blanco in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, July 19, 2012 in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

Text:

The Canadian Press
Published Friday, January 11, 2013 6:13PM EST

TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays have signed veteran catcher Henry Blanco to a one-year contract.

The club announced Friday that the deal is non-guaranteed and worth US$750,000.

The 41-year-old played in 21 games for Arizona last season, posting a .188 average with one home run and seven RBIs, before a ligament tear in his left thumb ended his season in August.

Blanco has played in 15 major league seasons, posting a .227 average with 69 home runs and 284 RBIs with the Dodgers, Rockies, Brewers, Braves, Cubs, Padres, Mets and Diamondbacks.

Left-hander Tommy Hottovy has been designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.