Dodgers released C Josh Bard. Bard was inked to a non-guaranteed minor league contract this winter and never stood much of a chance of cracking the Dodgers' Opening Day roster. He'll presumably try to latch on with a different organization.

Dodgers signed C Josh Bard to a minor league contract. The two sides were reportedly close to a deal earlier this month. Bard, who turns 34 in March, batted just .210/.256/.333 over 81 at-bats for the Mariners this past season. Things could change during spring training, but A.J. Ellis and Matt Treanor are the favorites to share catching duties going into 2012.

Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Dodgers are close to a minor league deal with Josh Bard. Now that makes more sense. Jon Heyman of SI.com reported the Dodgers signed Bard to a one-year, $750,000 contract, but it doesn't appear as though the deal is guaranteed. A.J. Ellis and Matt Treanor remain the favorites to make the Opening Day roster.

Mariners purchased the contract of C Josh Bard from Triple-A Tacoma. Bard hasn't played recently due to a toe injury, but has convinced M's skipper Eric Wedge that he's ready to go. He'll provide some insurance behind the plate while Chris Gimenez is on the disabled list with an oblique injury and Miguel Olivo is sidelined with cramps in his right hamstring.

Josh Bard is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Braves. Bard, who was playing with Triple-A Tacoma, still needs to be added to the active roster. He'll presumably replace backup catcher Chris Gimenez, who strained his oblique during Tuesday's game.