Cubs purchased the contract of C John Baker from Triple-A Iowa. Baker will serve as the backup catcher behind Welington Castillo. He beat out Eli Whiteside for the job.

John Baker has won a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster. The Cubs released George Kottaras on Wednesday, so Baker will serve as a backup to Welington Castillo. He ultimately won the gig over Eli Whiteside, who will provide depth at Triple-A

Cubs signed C John Baker to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Baker batted just .150/.261/.150 in 46 plate appearances this past summer with the Padres. It's a depth signing for the Cubs, who also have Welington Castillo, George Kottaras and Eli Whiteside at catcher.

Dodgers claimed C John Baker off waivers from the Padres; optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque. Baker was designated for assignment by San Diego earlier this week after opening the season with an ugly .150/.261/.150 batting line. He'll serve as depth for LA.

Padres designated C John Baker for assignment. The 40-man roster spot was needed with Logan Forsythe coming off the 60-day DL. Baker has batted only .223/.301/.258 over 79 games the last two years for the Padres. He's had some success in the past, though, and some teams might view him as an upgrade to their backup catcher situation.

Padres optioned C John Baker to Triple-A Tucson. The move clears a spot for Yasmani Grandal on the active roster. Baker, 31, is batting .150 (6-for-40) with two RBI in 16 games with the Padres this season.

John Baker will be sent to the minors Tuesday to make room for Yasmani Grandal, who will be reinstated from suspension. When you're slugging more than 60 points less than your body weight, you probably aren't long for the majors. Baker enjoyed a few months in the majors as Nick Hundley's backup thanks to Grandal's poor judgement, but did nothing to lock himself into a long-term bench gig, batting an unsightly .150/.261/.150 in 16 games.

John Baker was a late scratch from Tuesday's Cactus League lineup due to a sore right wrist. It's not anything to worry about. "During the season, John would be playing," Padres manager Bud Black said. Consider Baker day-to-day.

Padres avoided arbitration with C John Baker by agreeing to a one-year, $930,000 contract. He was in his second year of arbitration. Baker batted only .238/.310/.280 without a homer in 2012 but will share time with Nick Hundley in 2013 while Yasmani Grandal serves his suspension.

John Baker went 3-for-4 with three RBI in Tuesday's 6-1 win over the Nationals. After starting the season 2-for-25 (.080), Baker has caught fire with five hits in his last seven at-bats. He performed well in part-time action before undergoing Tommy John surgery, and should continue contributing against right-handed pitchers going forward.