The San Diego Padres on Wednesday claimed Hector Sanchez off waivers from the White Sox, raising speculation that it might be connected to the pursuit of free-agent pitcher Tim Lincecum.
The 26-year-old Sanchez spent the past five seasons with the Giants and owns a career .238/.273/.343 slash line. At one point, Sanchez was considered the personal catcher for Lincecum, logging 265 2/3 innings thrown by the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
“One source said the addition of Sanchez is unrelated to any pursuit of Lincecum. Still, one would imagine it can't hurt,” writes Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The Padres were among the clubs who attended a workout by Lincecum last week in Arizona and have been mentioned as a team having more than a passing interest in the right-hander.
General manager A.J. Preller insists the signing of Sanchez was merely to add catching depth, particularly after minor leaguer Austin Hedges needed surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand.
