Rickie Weeks signs minor league deal with Arizona Diamondbacks

After struggling offensively in limited action for the Seattle Mariners last season, veteran second baseman Rickie Weeks signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday.

Formerly part of a core in Milwaukee with first baseman Prince Fielder and left fielder Ryan Braun that helped the Brewers to playoff appearances in 2008 and 2011, Weeks has struggled immensely in recent seasons.

He batted .167 in 95 plate appearances for the Mariners before being released in June. Before signing with the Mariners, Weeks spent 11 years with the Brewers and had a .249 average with 148 home runs and 430 RBI.

In the last three seasons, Weeks has batted .227 (156-for-686) with 20 home runs and 62 RBI in 262 games.

Weeks will compete with Chris Owings, Phil Gosselin and former Milwaukee teammate Jean Segura for playing time at second base.