Pirates sign Anderson Hernandez to minor league contract

The Pirates have agreed to terms with switch-hitting infielder Anderson Hernandez on a minor league contract which includes an invitation to Major League spring training camp.

In 2011, the 29-year-old Dominican native hit .300 (153-for-510) with a .366 OBP, 25 doubles, six home runs, 52 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 136  games with Oklahoma City (Astros’ AAA).

Hernandez was originally signed by Detroit as a non-drafted free agent on 4/23/01 and made his Major League debut with the New York Mets in 2005 after being acquired from the Tigers on 1/6/05.

Hernandez has appeared in 240 big league games over the last seven seasons with the Mets (2005-07, 2009), Nationals (2008-09), Indians (2010) and Astros (2010).  He set career highs in 2009 in games played (123), at bats (366), hits (92) and runs scored (39) while splitting the season between Washington and New York.