Rockies sign veteran catcher Hanigan to minor-league deal

scottsdale, ariz.» Looking to add experience to their young catching corps, the Rockies reached a minor-league deal with Ryan Hanigan on Tuesday, a major-league source confirmed.

The deal is pending a physical, and the Rockies have not officially announced the contract. If Hanigan makes the big-league team, he will make $1.25 million, the source confirmed.

Hanigan, 36, was released by the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. Hanigan caught 10 seasons for Cincinnati (2007-13), Tampa Bay (2014) and Boston (2015-16).

The Rockies entered spring training with three relatively inexperienced catchers in Tony Wolters, Tom Murphy and Dustin Garneau. Murphy will begin the season on the 10-day disabled list with a hairline fracture of the right forearm. The Rockies hope he will return in late April or early May.

Hanigan is scheduled to join the Rockies on Friday, a day before the club breaks camp. He is likely to begin the regular season at Triple-A Albuquerque but could be called up quickly if the Rockies need him. He has batted .250 with 28 homers in 647 games over his major-league career.