The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed veteran infielder Elvis Andrus to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training, the team announced Sunday.
“They haven't promised him anything,” Torey Lovullo said. “I told him to go out and play his game and drop it where it counts. What he's going to get are some opportunities to show us what he can do. We're excited about that.”
A two-time All-Star, Andrus has played in the majors for 15 seasons, spending time with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox. He has 2,091 career hits, which ranks third among active players, behind only Joey Votto and Freddie Freeman.
Andrus, 35, has been a shortstop for most of his career, but played some second base for the White Sox last season, when he hit .251 with six home runs and 44 RBIs.
Andrus could be the Diamondbacks' backup middle infielder behind shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and second baseman Ketel Marte. Perdomo made his first All-Star team last season.
Lovullo said it was a “huge priority” to have a backup shortstop who can play the same way the starter does.
“There are a lot of moving parts to some key decisions we have to make down the stretch,” Lovullo said. “With [Andrus] Playing however you can, your name will enter those conversations. He will have that opportunity. “That's all you can ask for.”
ESPN's Jesse Rogers and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
