Tigers sign Aviles to 1-year deal

The Detroit Tigers added depth across the diamond Friday when they agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent utility man Mike Aviles.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Aviles, who spent the past three seasons with the Cleveland Indians, hit .231/.282/.317 in 317 plate appearances with five home runs in 2015.

"Mike is a veteran player that we are very familiar with from his time playing with the Royals and Indians," Tigers general manager Al Avila said after the agreement was finalized. "He is a versatile player that can play multiple positions and provides the depth we were looking for to help fill out our roster."

The 34-year-old Aviles played all three outfield positions for the Indians this past season, and also spent time at third base, shortstop, and second base. He owns a career slash line of .265/.297/.385 over eight seasons in the majors with the Indians, Kansas City Royals, and Boston Red Sox.

The addition of Aviles is another move in a busy offseason for the Tigers, who also signed starters Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey, plus reliever Mark Lowe, as well as trading for closer Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers.

In a corresponding roster move, the Tigers designated left-handed pitcher Kyle Lobstein for assignment.