San Francisco Giants

Infielder Solarte receives minor league contract from Giants

Published Feb. 15, 2019 4:13 p.m. ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Switch-hitting, versatile infielder Yangervis Solarte has reached agreement on a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.

If added to the 40-man roster, he would get a one-year contract with a $1.75 million salary while in the major leagues and would have a chance to earn $250,000 in performance bonuses.

He will provide infield depth for manager Bruce Bochy. Solarte played every infield position last season for the Blue Jays, making 83 starts at third base and 28 at second.

"We're excited to have him," Bochy said of Solarte, who still must pass a physical for the deal to be finalized. "He's a good player, can play a lot of positions. He's a pro. He's a nice addition to this ballclub because he gives you the versatility, depth."

San Francisco dealt with significant injuries to first baseman Brandon Belt, second baseman Joe Panik and third baseman Pablo Sandoval last season and all missed extended time. Sandoval is recovering from August surgery to repair a torn right hamstring, while Belt has had repeated concussions and underwent season-ending right knee surgery in September.

The 31-year-old Solarte batted .226 with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs in 122 games last season for Toronto. He played in the NL West the previous three-plus years with the Padres.

"We'll look at every opportunity to get his bat out there," Bochy said.