Padres sign veteran Skip Schumaker to minor-league deal
The San Diego Padres have added a versatile veteran to their organization.
The club announced Tuesday that it has signed veteran utility man Skip Schumaker to a minor-league deal.
The San Diego-Union Tribune reports that Schumaker's deal includes an invitation to spring training.
Schumaker, who turned 36 last week, became a free agent this offseason after the Cincinnati Reds declined an option for 2016 after two years with the club.
Prior to joining the Reds in 2014, Schumaker spent a season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His longest tenure with any club came from 2005 to 2012 with the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he held a .288 average and .345 on-base percentage throughout his eight years.
Playing second base and all three outfield positions in 131 games for the Reds last year, Schumaker notched a .242/.306/.336 split and 21 RBI in 268 plate appearances.
He holds a career .278/.337/.364 split and averages 40 RBI per 162 games.
Schumaker provides the Padres with much-needed depth and gives first-year manager Andy Green a solid pinch-hitting option as well.
