With durability concerns surrounding designated hitter Victor Martinez and catcher Alex Avila, the Detroit Tigers are looking at a contingency plan.
The team has reportedly had discussions about acquiring catcher Dioner Navarro from the Toronto Blue Jays, major-league sources told Jeff Blair of Sportsnet.
Navarro's future with the Blue Jays has been in question since the team signed Russell Martin to a five-year, $82-million deal in November. The 31-year-old enjoyed a solid offensive season during his first year in Toronto in 2014, hitting .274/.317/.395 with 12 home runs.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos said Navarro will likely back up Martin this season, in addition to getting some at-bats as the team's designated hitter, but he's set to earn $5 million in the final year of his contract and the Blue Jays could opt to use Josh Thole as a cheaper alternative behind the plate.
Martinez, who signed a four-year deal this offseason, will undergo knee surgery Tuesday to repair the medial meniscus in his left knee, and the team has yet to announce a timetable for his return.
Avila has been symptom-free following pair of concussions last season but concern remains after he endured multiple head injuries over the past few seasons.
Manager Brad Ausmus said Martinez was a potential option to catch some games early in the season, but those talks have been put to rest following his injury.
