Diamondbacks' Thole expected to miss season with hamstring tear

The Arizona Diamondbacks' catching depth took a hit Saturday as Josh Thole is expected to miss the 2017 season with a torn hamstring, manager Torey Lovullo confirmed, according to Nick Piecoro of AZC Central.

Thole will seek a second opinion and is considering surgery to repair the injury.

The 30-year-old backstop has been relied on over the years primarily as R.A. Dickey's personal catcher, spending parts of eight seasons with the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays. Thole and Dickey went their separate ways, however, signing separate deals in Atlanta and Arizona.

The veteran has combined to hit .242/.313/.306 with nine home runs and 111 RBIs throughout his career. His best season came with the Mets in 2011 when he appeared in 114 games combining for .268/.345/.344 with three home runs and 40 RBIs.