DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers on Monday agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Brayan Pena.
In 68 games with the Kansas City Royals last season, Pena hit .236 with 10 doubles, a triple, two home runs and 25 RBIs. He batted .320 with runners in scoring position this past season.
“We are pleased to add an experienced catcher like Brayan Pena to our club,” said Dave Dombrowski, Tigers president, CEO and general manager. “As a switch-hitter, he will serve as a solid complement to Alex Avila as our backup catcher for the 2013 season.”
A veteran of eight major-league seasons -- with the Atlanta Braves (2005-08) and Royals (2009-12) -- Pena, 30, is hit .248 with 46 doubles, a triple, 14 home runs and 98 RBIs in 335 games.
In a related roster move, the Tigers designated the contract of left-handed pitcher Matt Hoffman for assignment. He appeared in 43 games with Triple-A Toledo during the 2012 season, posting a 1-2 record and 3.69 ERA.
