Pirates Sign Robert Andino To Minor League Deal

May 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Robert Andino (middle) tags out Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) on a stolen base attempt during the eighth inning of an interleague game at PNC Park. The Seattle Mariners won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates fans saw the name Robert Andino in the recent Fangraphs projections, and were a bit curious if the player that spent time at AAA Indy would actually join the ballclub. Today the Bucs made Andino’s signing official for the 2014 season with this press release.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed infielder Robert Andino to a minor league contract, which also includes an invitation to Major League spring training as a non-roster player.

The 29-year-old Andino began the 2013 season with Seattle and appeared in 29 games with the Mariners before being designated for assignment on May 24. He also batted .229 (35-for-153) with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and 12 RBI in 44 games with Triple-A Tacoma before being acquired by the Pirates on July 31.

Andino finished the season with Indianapolis, where he hit .302 (29-for-96) with eight doubles and nine RBI in 25 games. The right-handed hitting Andino was originally selected by Florida in the 22nd round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

October 12, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Robert Andino (11) turns a double play over New York Yankees designated hitter Raul Ibanez (27) during the fifth inning of game five of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

He has hit .232 (306-for-1320) with 58 doubles, one triple, 18 home runs and 96 RBI in 468 Major League games with the Marlins (2005-2008), Orioles (2009-2012) and Mariners (2013).

Apr 19, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robert Andino (3) throws to first for an out during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Texas won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates have now invited 13 non-roster players to big league camp.