Major League Baseball

Indians sign veteran outfielder Marlon Byrd to minor deal

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:36 p.m. ET

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) The Indians added outfield depth by signing veteran Marlon Byrd to a minor league contract.

The 38-year-old Byrd passed his physical Thursday and worked out with the Indians on Friday. Byrd spent last season with Cincinnati and San Francisco, batting a combined .247 with 23 home runs and 73 RBIs in 135 games.

A career .275 hitter, Byrd has connected for at least 20 homers and driven in 70 or more runs in each of the past three seasons. He batted .271 against left-handers and has a career .286 average against lefties.

Byrd began his career in 2002 with Philadelphia. He has 154 career homers.

The Indians have been stockpiling outfielders as insurance in case of injuries. They could be without left fielder Michael Brantley for the start of the season as he recovers from surgery on his right shoulder.