Gosewisch to DL; veteran Salty called up

MILWAUKEE -- It was not the news they were hoping for, or expecting, but the D-backs found out that catcher Tuffy Gosewisch likely has a tear in his the ACL of his left knee. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list prior to Friday's game with the Brewers.

The team called up veteran catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia from Triple-A Reno to take Gosewisch's place. To make room for Saltalamacchia on the 40-man roster, the team transferred catcher Oscar Hernandez to the 60-day DL.

The news was a blow for Gosewisch, who had labored for nine years in the Minor Leagues before finally getting his first chance to be an everyday player in the big leagues.

Gosewisch injured the knee in the sixth inning Wednesday night when he landed awkwardly while stretching for first base trying to beat out a grounder.

An initial exam by a doctor in St. Louis seemed to indicate that there was no structural damage, but he had an MRI taken on Thursday's off-day and the radiologist said that it showed a tear. The team will have him examined by their doctors on Monday in Phoenix.

Gosewisch is appreciative of the well wishes he's gotten from fans since the injury.

"It makes you feel good," Gosewisch said. "It makes you feel like you're doing something right. I really hope to get back out there as soon as possible. I don't know how long that's going to be right now, but hopefully sooner rather than later."

Saltalamacchia was released by the Marlins earlier this month after opening the season 2-for-29 at the plate with one double and one home run. Miami must pay Saltalamacchia the $14.2 million remaining on his contract, minus the prorated Major League minimum that the D-backs are picking up.

Saltalamacchia, who was hitting .188 with Reno, said he thought he may have tried to do too much while with the Marlins as a result of the big contract he received.

"Just come in and be myself," he said of his mindset now. "I'm not trying to do more than I can and I'm going to get the opportunity to play and that's all I can ask for. And like I've said when I've been with any other team, I just want an opportunity to go out there and win. We've got a great group of guys over here so I'm looking forward to getting to know them."

D-backs manager Chip Hale said that Saltalamacchia will see the majority of the playing time behind the plate, with Jordan Pacheco backing him up.