Detroit Tigers agree to one-year deal with catcher Brayan Pena

Pena to be back-up catcher for team behind Alex Avila

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced Monday that the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Brayan Pena.
Pena, 30, batted .236 (50x212) with 10 doubles, a triple, two home runs and 25 RBI in 68 games during the 2012 season with the Kansas City Royals. He hit .320 (16x50) with runners in scoring position this past season.
"We are pleased to add an experienced catcher like Brayan Pena to our club," Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. "As a switch-hitter, he will serve as a solid complement to Alex Avila as our back-up catcher for the 2013 season."
A veteran of eight seasons at the major league level with the Atlanta Braves (2005-08) and Royals (2009-12), Pena is hitting .248 (219x884) with 46 doubles, a triple, 14 home runs and 98 RBI in 335 games.
In a related roster move, the Tigers today have designated the contract of lefthanded 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 (46.1IP/19ER).

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