Matthew Thaiss: Everything you need to know

The Red Sox reassigned Thaiss to minor-league camp Monday. Thaiss attending spring training as a non-roster invitee but didn't make much of a push for a backup catcher spot on the Red Sox's Opening Day roster after posting a .560 OPS over 27 plate appearances in the Grapefruit League. With Boston also optioning Mickey Gasper to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, the Red Sox will head into Opening Day with Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong as their two catchers. Thaiss' minor-league deal contains an upward mobility clause that would allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere, but he intends to remain in the organization and report to Worcester to begin the season, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

Thaiss signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Saturday that includes an invitation to spring training, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Thaiss has plenty of MLB experience, having played in 305 career regular-season games, mostly with the Angels. He's struggled with the bat, however, posting a .652 OPS with 23 homers, 95 RBI, seven steals and a 28.3 percent strikeout rate across 961 plate appearances. Boston is expected to begin the campaign with Carlos Narvaez (knee) and Connor Wong (hand) as its top two backstops, so Thaiss will probably enter spring training as insurance in case one of those two catchers is sidelined.

The Rays designated Thaiss for assignment Friday. Despite Danny Jansen being traded to Milwaukee on Monday, the Rays added to their backstop depth by acquiring Nick Fortes from the Marlins and Hunter Feduccia from the Dodgers. Thaiss is slashing .218/.349/.288 with one steal, one home run and 16 RBI in 190 plate appearances this season.