ATLANTA — A person familiar with the negotiations says Eric Hinske and the Atlanta Braves have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract.
The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal is not final, pending a physical examination.
The 32-year-old Hinske is expected to play behind newly signed first baseman Troy Glaus and third baseman Chipper Jones. He also can play the corner outfield spots and is expected to be the team's top left-handed pinch-hitter.
Hinske hit .242 with eight homers and 25 RBIs for Pittsburgh and the New York Yankees last season. He hit 20 homers for Tampa Bay in 2008 and had career-best totals of 24 homers and 84 RBIs as a rookie with Toronto in 2002.
The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal is not final, pending a physical examination.
The 32-year-old Hinske is expected to play behind newly signed first baseman Troy Glaus and third baseman Chipper Jones. He also can play the corner outfield spots and is expected to be the team's top left-handed pinch-hitter.
Hinske hit .242 with eight homers and 25 RBIs for Pittsburgh and the New York Yankees last season. He hit 20 homers for Tampa Bay in 2008 and had career-best totals of 24 homers and 84 RBIs as a rookie with Toronto in 2002.