Dodgers News: Catcher Drew Butera Traded To The Angels

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In 2014, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a big issue on offense from the catcher position as none of the three that played more than 20 games batted over .200.

Many thought the Dodgers would make a move at the position, but Russell Martin signed with the Toronto Blue Jays and the team has yet to make a big deal for another catcher. One move that was made at catcher was claiming Ryan Lavarnway from the Boston Red Sox and designation Drew Butera for assignment. Butera was the Dodgers backup catcher last season, who filled in when A.J. Ellis was hurt.

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According to the Dodgers, Butera will remain in Southern California after all:

The Dodgers have traded Drew Butera to the @Angels for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 9, 2014

Butera came to the Dodgers in a trade deadline deal with the Minnesota Twins in 2013 and he eventually beat out Tim Federowicz for the backup catcher position this year. In 61 games, the catcher hit .188 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. He ended up starting 48 games due to Ellis’ injury during the season. Butera was also the go-to position player in blowouts when the Dodgers needed relief pitching. He pitched in two games this season and allowed two runs in 1.2 innings.

He heads to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who traded Hank Conger to the Houston Astros and currently have Chris Ianetta as their catcher. He will battle for a spot to either start, or come off the bench for the Angels.