Konrad Schmidt claimed off waivers from Diamondbacks by Rangers

Former Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Konrad Schmidt is headed to Texas as the 28-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Thursday.

Arizona originally signed Schmidt as an amateur free agent in 2007. He spent six seasons in the Diamondback's organization, playing eight games at the Major League level. He played in four games for Arizona last season, but did not record a hit in eight plate appearances. He hit .277 with seven home runs and 47 RBI in 93 games with Arizona's Triple-A affiliate.

Although he has a .291 career average in the minor leagues, the loss of Schmidt isn't likely to have much impact on the Diamondbacks going forward. He was no where close to challenging Miguel Montero for the starting catcher job with the Diamondbacks and would have instead likely been back at Triple-A next season or served as Arizona's third catcher. Wil Nieves served as Arizona's backup catcher last season.