Veteran catcher McCann signs with D-backs

CHICAGO -- The Diamondbacks on Monday confirmed the signing of veteran catcher James McCann, a move made to help their catching depth after starter Gabriel Moreno was placed on the IL with a hairline fracture in his right hand. McCann, who was released from the Minor League contract he signed with the Braves on March 21, arrived in Chicago as Arizona kicked off its three-game series with the White Sox at Rate Field.

“Looking forward to getting to know the guys,” the 35-year-old backstop said as he joined his new team. “I know a few of these guys, but I’m excited to be here and do everything I can to help the team win.”

In a corresponding move, the D-backs designated catcher Aramis Garcia for assignment. Garcia played just two games with Arizona, most recently this past Saturday against the Rockies.

McCann has slashed .241/.293/.380 over his 11-year career, spending time with the Tigers, White Sox, Mets and, most recently, the Orioles. His best season came in 2019 for Chicago, when he tallied a career-high 120 hits and secured his lone All-Star nod.

While he’s displayed some pop over his time in the bigs -- slugging 92 homers and 128 doubles -- manager Torey Lovullo is most excited about the veteran presence he can offer to Arizona’s pitching staff.

“I’ve always been a big fan of his from the time that he was in Detroit,” Lovullo said. “He’s bounced around the league a little bit, but I’ve always been a fan of the ability to receive, control the pitching aspect of the game through game-calling, and just being a leader back there.

“I’ve seen that from the other side. Now that he’s inside of our clubhouse, I get to tap into that and see what it’s all about.”

McCann, who departed from Triple-A Gwinnett’s series in Charlotte to make his way to Chicago, has already been leaning on a former Orioles teammate to help him get acquainted with the D-backs' pitchers.

“I’ve already been talking with Corbin Burnes, he’s given me a rundown on several guys,” McCann said. “So just taking as much in as I can, trust in what they say, trust in what teammates say. I’m the new guy trying to get on their page, and that’s what I’m going to try to do as quickly as possible.”

Lovullo noted that Arizona has yet to determine an official role for McCann, prioritizing first his acclimation to the new clubhouse. But regardless of how long it takes the veteran catcher to get grounded, he’s already eager to provide anything the D-backs ask of him.

“I’m a big believer that my job is to make them comfortable,” McCann said. “So whatever they need from me. I’m a no-ego guy. I’m going to figure out what makes [Arizona pitchers] tick and how to give them the best opportunity to have success on the field.”