Shelby Miller (right) is congratulated by catcher A.J. Pierzynski after his complete game two-hitter. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)
On the same day they dealt away their promising young shortstop, the Atlanta Braves brought back veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
The 38-year-old free agent agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract Thursday.
Earlier in the day, the Braves sent shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels in a deal that brought back shortstop Erick Aybar and minor league prospects.
Pierzynski first signed with the Braves as a free agent in January, joining his fifth team in four seasons. He was an All-Star for the Minnesota Twins in 2002 and the Chicago White Sox in 2006, and he was a key member of the White Sox’s World Series-winning team in 2005.
Though he was expected to be a backup this year, Pierzynski wound up playing 113 games and starting 104 for the Braves. He batted .300 with a .309 on-base percentage, a .430 slugging percentage, nine homers and 49 RBIs.
In his 18-year major-league career that includes stops with seven teams, Pierzynski has a .282/.321/.424 batting line with 186 homers and 886 RBIs.
