his offensive performance was middling, batting only .171 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs in 92 games, Saltalamacchia's primary contribution to the Tigers was his clubhouse presence. He acted as a mentor to young pitchers Michael Fulmer and Matthew Boyd, serving also as Boyd’s personal catcher. Toronto Blue Jays (2017) The Toronto Blue Jays signed Saltalamacchia to a minor league contract on February 6, 2017, with an invitation to spring training. He was ultimately named to the Blue Jays' opening day roster as a backup catcher for Russell Martin, and he got his first start of the season on April 7, catching for Francisco Liriano. After Saltalamacchia demonstrated difficulties at the plate, going 1-for-25 with 16 strikeouts in 10 games, the Jays recalled Luke Maile from the minors as his replacement. Saltalamacchia was released from the Blue Jays on May 3 but signed a new minor league contract two weeks later and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Saltalamacchia's offensive difficulties continued in the minor leagues, and after he batted .162 in 33 games, the Bisons released him on June 30, 2017. Saltalamacchia revealed later that his struggles at the plate were due in large part to the fact that his wife was undergoing health issues at home. As a result, his "mind wasn't there" during games. He spent the remainder of the season serving as a fill-in color commentator for the New England Sports Network (NESN). Second stint with the Detroit Tigers (2018) Leading into the 2018 MLB season, Saltalamacchia was contemplating leaving MLB for Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, or for one of the independent baseball leagues in the United States. On March 9, 2018, however, Saltalamacchia signed a minor league contract with the Tigers, with the understanding that he would primarily play for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens and serve as "insurance" in case one of the major league catchers suffered an injury. He took on the unofficial role of clubhouse teacher with the Mud Hens, helping both the Tigers' pitching prospects and fellow Triple-A catcher Grayson Greiner develop their skills in preparation for an MLB promotion. Greiner and Saltalamacchia had a particular rapport with each other, referring to the other catcher as "Dad" or "Son", respectively. In 67 games with Toledo, Saltalamacchia batted .174, with five home runs and 28 RBIs in 218 at-bats. After Toledo was eliminated from the International League playoffs on