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Paul Hoynes's post | Latest updates on Sulia

New catcher Yan Gomes won't push Carlos Santana to first base

Cleveland, Ohio -- Besides infielder Mike Aviles, the Indians acquired catcher Yan Gomes from Toronto on Saturday for promising right-hander Esmil Rogers. GM Chris Antonetti said Gomes, 23, will have a chance to make the club in spring training, but didn't anticipate him taking over the No.1 job so Carlos Santana can move to first base. "That's not our expectation at this point," said Antonetti. Santana, a converted catcher, has had his problems behind the plate the last two years. When he struggles offensively, he takes it behind the dish and his defense and game-calling suffer. There are some who think that Santana should be moved to first base so he can concentrate more on his hitting. Antonetti said Saturday that Santana is still the Tribe's primary catcher. Gomes, like Aviles, is a right-handed hitter. The Indians' lineup was dominated by left-handed hitters this year so the deal should give new manager Terry Francona a better to balance his offense. At Class AAA Las Vegas this year, Gomez hit .328 (100-for-305) with 29 doubles, 13 homers and 59 RBI. In 43 games with the Blue Jays, he hit .204 (20-for-98) with four homers and 13 RBI. Look for Gomes to push backup catcher Lou Marson for playing time. Marson hit .226 (44-for-195) with eight doubles, two triples, no homers and 13 RBI in 2012.