Blake

Sabol

Sabol was designated for assignment by San Francisco after they signed Justin Verlander on Saturday. The 27-year-old backstop can handle things behind the plate, but also is capable of playing in the outfield. That versatility gives him a good chance to make Boston after spring training, but it’s far from a lock.

The move is necessary after the Giants signed Justin Verlander and needed room on the 40-man roster. Sabol, 27, should see interest on the waiver wire as a player who can play in the outfield as well as catch, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was claimed or if the Giants were able to work out a trade for the backup backstop.

Sabol was brought up over the weekend, but the Giants have decided to change course and no longer will carry three catchers on their active roster.

Sabol will give the Giants a third backstop and also a bat off the bench while he’s with the team, as San Francisco is promoting the 26-year-old as one of their two new additions with rosters officially expanding.

Sabol was up briefly for San Francisco earlier this week as extra catching depth at the trade deadline and will head back to the minors prior to Friday’s series opener against the Reds.

Sabol rejoins San Francisco’s active roster as extra bench depth ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Athletics. The 26-year-old hasn’t appeared in the majors since being shipped back to Triple-A Sacramento back in late May.

Sabol heads out with Patrick Bailey returning from the concussion injured list just prior to Tuesday’s game against the Pirates.

Sabol takes the place of Patrick Bailey with Bailey placed on the concussion injured list. Sabol offers some defensive versatility, but doesn’t have the offensive upside to be a fantasy option.

Sabol was shipped out earlier this week in advance of Opening Day. The 26-year-old offers plenty of defensive versatility, but there simply isn’t space for him in San Francisco at the moment.

The Giants’ decision to sign Tom Murphy meant Sabol entered the spring with little chance of making the team, even though he was pretty solid as a Rule 5 pick last year. He’ll probably open the year splitting time between catcher and left field in Triple-A.