One of the longest tenured Pittsburgh Pirates players has returned to the organization as a minor league free agent. Andy Vasquez, who signed as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2006, will return for his ninth season in the farm system. He spent the 2014 season with Altoona, where he hit .268/.304/.463 in 96 games, seeing time at six different positions. Vasquez has done everything except catch during his time with the Pirates, including eight appearances on the mound. He is versatile enough to fill in at both shortstop and center field if needed.
The 27-year-old will likely play a utility role with Altoona this year. He played winter ball in the Dominican this off-season before moving to the league in Colombia, where he is getting regular playing time recently.
