Jays sign outfielder Dirks to minor-league deal

Andy Dirks (Carlos Osorio/AP)

The Toronto Blue Jays have officially announced the signing of outfielder Andy Dirks to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training.

Dirks may sound like a familiar name to Jays fans, as the 28-year-old was claimed off waivers by Toronto from the Detroit Tigers last Halloween. He was eventually granted free agency on Dec. 2.

The native of Hutchinson, Kan., was drafted in the eighth round of the 2008 amateur draft by the Tigers and has a career batting line of .276/.332/.413 with 24 home runs and 100 RBIs in 1,063 plate appearances.

Dirks should provide the Jays with a left-handed platoon bat, as well as outfield insurance in case youngsters Dalton Pompey or Kevin Pillar struggle with the big club.

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