Blue Jays ink catcher Mathis to extension

TORONTO, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Catcher Jeff Mathis has signed a two-year contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, the team said Tuesday.

The new deal for Mathis, 29, is for a total of $3 million and will also contain an option for a third year at $1.5 million.

The eight-year veteran backstop is hitting .215 with six home runs, nine doubles and 19 RBI through 46 games in 2012.

But his main asset is defense -- Mathis has committed only on error in 305 total chances this season, good for a .997 fielding percentage.

The catcher sports a .988 percentage over 472 career games for the Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and Florida Marlins.