C Erik Kratz cleared waivers and was outrighted by the Pirates to Triple-A Indianapolis, but has elected free agency.

C Eric Kratz was designated for assignment to open a roster spot for C Francisco Cervelli, only two days after catching all 18 innings on Sunday in Washington -- his 15th start since Cervelli went on the disabled list. During that time, Kratz hit a game-winning homer on June 20 off Giants ace Madison Bumgarner for his first major league homer in nearly two years.

C Erik Kratz was designated for assignment after Pittsburgh activated C Francisco Cervelli from the disabled list.

C Erik Kratz played in college at Division III Eastern Mennonite in Harrisonburg, Va., about 120 miles southwest of Nationals Park. He did not play Friday as Eric Fryer got the start at catcher for the Pirates.

C Erik Kratz, who started in place of Chris Stewart on Thursday, continued to struggle at the plate. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Kratz has one hit in 24 at-bats with the Pirates this season. With Stewart returning from a knee injury Tuesday and catcher Francisco Cervelli (broken hand) on the 15-day disabled list, Pittsburgh could continue to rely on Kratz in upcoming games.

C Erik Kratz got pressed into pitching duty for the ninth inning -- meaning the third-string catcher was throwing to the fourth-string catcher, Stallings. Kratz gave up two, two-out singles but did not give up a run. He had a strikeout, a grounder that he fielded at first base and a fly out. He was Pittsburgh's sixth pitcher. "I want a rematch," said his strikeout victim, Brandon Belt. "You have to give it to him, he threw about as middle-middle as you can right now -- and then he pulled the string on me, you know? What else are you going to do? I was either going to hit it in the water or strike out. And I struck out."

C Eric Kratz was acquired earlier this month on what was essentially an emergency basis. Monday against the Giants, he was a star. He hit a solo home run -- his first since August 2014 and his first hit with the Pirates -- and worked effectively behind the plate in a shutout win.

C Erik Kratz, acquired from the Angels Saturday after C Francisco Cervelli underwent hand surgery, started. He went 0-for-3, including a strikeout and grounder for a double play. He also was involved in an out call at the plate that St. Louis challenged under the collision rule and lost. He struck out in his only at-bat Saturday after entering the game in the seventh, hours after he arrived in Pittsburgh.

C Eric Kratz started for the Pirates, but C Chris Stewart was available off the bench. Stewart (left ankle) left Saturday's game.

C Erik Kratz, who made his major-league debut with the Pirates in 2010 and played nine games, was reacquired from the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations to help fill in for Cervelli. Kratz, 35, rejoined Pittsburgh having played in 207 big-league games for five clubs. He entered Saturday's game as an injury replacement, catching the final two innings and going 0-for-2.

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired catcher Erik Kratz from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for cash considerations. Kratz is expected to arrive in Pittsburgh in time for Saturday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

C Erik Kratz cleared waivers and was given his unconditional release by the Astros. Kratz was designated for assignment on May 16.

C Erik Kratz, designated for assignment by the Astros on May 16, was released Sunday. Kratz, who was acquired from the Padres on March 28 for RHP Dan Straily, hit just .069 (2-for-29) in 15 games for Houston. He struck out 14 times in 30 plate appearances.

C Erik Kratz was designated for assignment on Monday by the Astros, who recalled DH/C Evan Gattis on Tuesday to handle the backup C role. Kratz, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres on March 28 for RHP Dan Straily, hit just .069 (2-for-29) in 15 games for Houston. He struck out 14 times in 30 plate appearances. Kratz will likely be assigned to Triple-A Fresno.

C Erik Kratz was designated for assignment by the Astros on Monday. In 14 games for Houston this year, he went 2-for-29 (.069) with no RBIs.

C Erik Kratz will be removed from the Astros' 25-man roster, manager A.J. Hinch announced after Sunday's game. Hinch wasn't sure what the transaction would be or where Kratz would be headed, however.

C Erik Kratz made his debut as a pitcher in Tuesday's blowout loss, and let's just say that the Astros won't be clearing a spot for him in their rotation. Kratz gave up three singles and a run while facing six hitters, throwing two wild pitches in the process.

Kratz was outrighted off the Phillies' 40-man roster Wednesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Kratz joined the Phillies as a September callup, but struggled in his limited opportunities at the plate posting a .192/.214/.269 in 26 at-bats. Considering Kratz is 35-years-old, this could be the last time we see the veteran catcher in the majors.

Kratz has been called up as rosters expand Tuesday.

Kratz signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in July after being released by Seattle. The 35-year-old has struggled, for the most part, this season, but he's fared well in 26 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, hitting .312 with 15 RBI. Kratz will likely see minimal playing time down the stretch, as his advanced age doesn't present the Phillies with much incentive to give him an extended look at this point.

Kratz was signed to a minor league contract by the Phillies on Wednesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Kratz will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday, as he continues to look for a permanent home where he can serve as a backup catcher. He is batting .211 with four home runs and 17 RBI in 25 minor league games this season.