The Pittsburgh Pirates signed outfielder Jake Marisnick to a major-league contract on Thursday.
Marisnick, 31, was a non-roster invitee to spring training with the Texas Rangers and hit .160 (4-for-25) with a home run and four RBIs in 10 games. He’ll fill in for outfielder Greg Allen, who is hampered by a hamstring injury.
Marisnick appeared in 99 games last season for the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs, batting .216 with five home runs and 24 RBIs.
Entering his 10th season, Marisnick also has played for the Houston Astros, Miami Marlins and New York Mets. He is known for his defensive prowess, with his 75 defensive runs saved since the start of the 2013 season good for eighth among all MLB outfielders.
The Pirates also announced the signing of catcher Andrew Knapp, who will back up starter Roberto Perez.
Knapp, who has five seasons of major league experience with the Philadelphia Phillies, was in camp with the Cincinnati Reds this spring. He had an opt out in his contract if he did not make the major league roster and was released by the Reds on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Knapp is a career .214 hitter in 309 career games, with 13 home runs and 62 RBIs. He hit two home runs with 11 RBIs in 62 games with the Phillies last season.
–Field Level Media