Braves sign catcher Buck to minor-league deal

Veteran catcher John Buck has signed a minor-league contact with the Braves, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has confirmed.

Buck is expected to start the season at Triple-A Gwinnett but provides depth for the Braves in case of injuries or if Christian Bethancourt struggles at the big-league level. The Braves also have veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski under contract.

Buck, 34, has played 11 seasons in the majors including 32 games split between Seattle and Anaheim in 2014. For his career he’s hit .234 with a .301 on-base percentage and a .398 slugging percentage.