John

Hester

Hester was recently called up to replace Chris Iannetta (wrist) on the active roster. With Hank Conger not expected back until late-May, he’ll be forced to serve as Bobby Wilson’s backup.

Hester was released by the Orioles last week to make room for the newly-claimed Luis Exposito. The 28-year-old backstop has a .220/.294/.366 batting line over 136 plate appearances in the majors (all with the Diamondbacks) and will serve as minor league depth.

He’ll back up Bobby Wilson while Chris Iannetta (wrist) is out. Hester is a career .220/.294/.366 hitter over 136 plate appearances in the majors and can be ignored by fantasy owners.

Iannetta had the pisiform bone removed from his wrist and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Bobby Wilson and John Hester will fill in behind the plate for now, though Hank Conger (elbow) could be an option in a couple weeks.

The O’s claimed Luis Exposito off waivers from the Red Sox and decided to cut Hester loose to make room. The 28-year-old will try to catch on elsewhere.

He finished the night 1-for-2 with two runs scored and two RBI. His towering home run in the seventh inning tied the game at 5-5 and took Ervin Santana off the hook for the loss. It was the second straight game that Hester has homered in, and he’s now batting .288 (17-for-59) with three homers and four RBI in limited at-bats. In deeper two-catcher formats, he could be worth a look until Chris Iannetta returns.

Hank Conger will be promoted Tuesday. The Angels are adding Hester, Andrew Romine and left-handers Nick Maronde and Andrew Taylor in their first round of September callups.

Bobby Wilson left Monday’s game after being hit in the mask with a foul tip, so this indicates that he could be headed for the disabled list. Conger is 4-for-14 with a double with a double and an RBI since missing five weeks with a sprained right elbow. John Hester is a pretty poor alternative, so Conger is worth an immediate add in AL-only leagues.

Wilson was hit by a foul tip in the first inning, but stayed in the game until John Hester pinch hit for him in the bottom of the second inning. It doesn’t sound like a major concern, but the Angels could send him for a concussion test just to be sure.

Chris Iannetta is ready to return from the disabled list, so Hester’s presence was no longer needed. The 28-year-old has hit .212/.287/.329 in 38 games this season.