Pirates sign Kelly Shoppach to a minor league deal

Last week Neal Huntington said that the team would look to sign a emergency catcher with Major League experience. Today, the Pirates announced that they have signed 33 year old catcher Kelly Shoppach to a minor league deal.

This year with Seattle, Shoppach batted .196 with three home runs in 32 starts. He was released by Seattle on June 20, then signed by the Nationals to a minor league deal on July 3. Washington released him on July 31.

Along with Seattle, Shoppach has had stints with the Red Sox, Indians, Rays and Mets. In 571 career games, he has hit .224 with 70 home runs.