Pittsburgh Pirates sign Hernandez

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Jose Hernandez to a one-year, minor-league contract.

Hernandez, who would receive $900,000 for the contract at the major-league level, rotated in five positions during 63 games played with the Pirates in 2006, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Tuesday. The contract represents a $50,000 pay raise from last season.

He batted .267 with two home runs and 12 RBIs for Pittsburgh in 2006. Hernandez also played 58 games for the team in 2003.