The Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran utility infielder Nick Franklin to a minor-league contract Wednesday, adding another bench option to their spring-training roster.
A former first-round pick, the 27-year-old Franklin has appeared in 301 major-league games for four teams over the past six seasons. He’s played at least an inning at seven positions (including pitcher) but primarily has been a second baseman. Over the past two seasons for the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels, Franklin appeared in games at second base, shortstop, left field and right field.
He played in only one MLB game last season, in part because of a right quad injury.
For his career, Franklin has a .214 average, .644 OPS and 24 home runs in 833 at bats.
Franklin would figure to be competing with the likes of Kevin Newman, Kevin Kramer, Jose Osuna, Pablo Reyes and J.B. Shuck for one of Pirates’ three opening day bench spots.
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Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris at cadamski@tribweb.com or via Twitter @C_AdamskiTrib.
