Milwaukee Brewers: Spring Training Position Battles

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 20: Brandon Woodruff #53 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 20: Brandon Woodruff #53 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers

How about backup catcher?

Yasmani Grandal should start at least 120 games behind the dish, but the backup role still needs to be decided. Manny Pina has the inside track on the backup catcher job, but Erik Kratz or Jacob Nottingham could stake a claim if there’s an injury or Pina gets off to a rough start.

Pina has been lauded as a great clubhouse guy, and has proven to be capable behind the dish after spending a long time working his way through the Minors. Pina managed a .702 OPS in 98 games last year, and appeared to be overburdened by the every day job.

Grandal’s signing takes the pressure off Pina, and allows him to take on a role that he’s better suited for.

Nottingham is likely ticketed for Triple-A, while Kratz will have to decide if he wants to go back to the farm, find another team to catch on with, or shift to a coaching or scouting role.

Schedule