Blanco released from Minor League contract; joins D-backs coaching staff

PHOENIX - Prior to tonight's game, the D-backs released catcher Henry Blanco from his Minor League contract, and was subsequently added to the D-backs' Major League coaching staff, according to D-backs' Executive Vice President and General Manager Kevin Towers.

Blanco, 42, appeared in 971 games over 16 Major League seasons with the Dodgers (1997), Rockies (1999), Brewers (2000-01), Braves (2002-03), Twins (2004), Cubs (2005-08), Padres (2009), Mets (2010), D-backs (2011-12), Blue Jays (2013) and Mariners (2013). He finished his career hitting .223 (615-for-2,761) with 72 home runs and 298 RBI and threw out 40.49 percent of attempted basestealers (245-for-605).

The Venezuela native was signed by the D-backs as a Minor League free agent on Dec. 13, 2013. He originally signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on Nov. 12, 1989.