Catcher Luis Martinez has been claimed off of waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. His addition brings the Orioles’ 40-man roster full and makes him the fourth catcher among the group – joining Matt Wieters, Taylor Teagarden, and Luis Exposito.
The 27 year old had spent the 2012 season with the Texas Rangers, spending most of the season with their Triple-A affiliate. In 65 games with Round Rock, Martinez batted .270/.350/.386 over 247 plate appearances. He also spent some brief time with the Rangers in Arlington, appearing in 10 games in which he hit a mere .111/.158/.111. The Rangers had designated him for assignment last week after finalizing their signing of A.J. Pierzynski.
Texas had acquired Martinez from San Diego in December 2011 in a trade for right-hander Ryan Kelly. Martinez, a 2007 12th Round pick who holds a career line of .272/.362/.364 in the minor leagues, has never hit much for power, but has demonstrated good plate discipline throughout his minor league career (326 strikeouts, 208 walks).