Former Waynesboro General Erik Kratz has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays after three seasons with his hometown Philadelphia Phillies.
Kratz, a catcher, was traded along with minor league pitcher Rob Rasmussen for relief pitcher Brad Lincoln.
Kratz, an Eastern Mennonite University alum, will battle for the backup catcher spot with returner Josh Thole. There is also a possibility he could start the 2014 season at Triple-A Buffalo. Toronto recently signed veteran Dioner Navarro away from the Cubs, and he is expected to take over the starting role.
In his third season with the Phillies, Kratz was the opening day starter with Carlos Ruiz serving a suspension. He was a bright spot for Philadelphia in the early months of the season, before injuring his knee in early June. Kratz finished the year with a .213 batting average, hitting nine homeruns with 26 RBIs in 68 games. He hit a three-run homerun against Atlanta in what turns out to be his final game for the Phillies.
Kratz batted .230 with 18 homers and 52 RBIs in 120 games over three seasons with the Phillies.
Before graduating from EMU in 2002, Kratz set the NCAA record for career doubles at 77, and broke 27 program records. He was the first Royals player to be drafted, being selected by Toronto and playing seven years in their minor league system. He reached the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010 before joining the Phillies in 2011.
Kratz had his jersey retired at EMU and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor in 2012.
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