The Rangers have claimed 33-year old righty swinging catcher Eli Whiteside off waivers to the Blue Jays. Whiteside played in 12 games for the Giants last year and he was 1 for 11 (.091 avg, .396 OPS) with 3 runs scored, 0 homers and 2 RBIs. He has now played in 208 games in his first five years in the majors and he is 105 of 489 (.215 avg, .608 OPS) with 52 runs scored, 10 homers, 43 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Whiteside will have a good shot to win the backup catcher job for the Rangers in 2013, as he is a good defensive catcher.

UPDATE: (1/3/2012) - The Texans have designated Eli Whiteside for assignment to open up a roster spot for Jason Frasor.

UPDATE II: (1/5/2012) - The Rangers have outrighted Eli Whiteside to AAA. He will likely start the 2013 season in the minors for the Rangers unless A.J. Pierzynski or Geovany Soto get injured in spring training.