Report: Detroit Tigers bring back C Brayan Peña on minor-league deal

In an attempt to add some veteran presence to the organization, the Detroit Tigers have signed catcher Brayan Pena to a minor-league deal, according to Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com.

The switch-hitting catcher/first baseman did not play in the majors last season. He played 38 games for Omaha, the Kansas City Royals' Triple-A affiliate, and hit .274.

Pena, 36, was with the Tigers in 2013, where he experienced his best offensive season. He hit .297 in 71 games with four home runs and 22 RBIs and a .713 OPS.

In 12 major-league seasons, Pena carries a .259 average, a .995 fielding percentage behind the plate and a .998 percentage at first base.

The Tigers have two catchers who played for them last season on this year's roster: starter James McCann and John Hicks, who split time between Detroit and Toledo. Last month, the Tigers signed catcher Derek Norris to a minor-league contract.

Norris, who spent last season with Tampa Bay, was suspended for violating baseball's domestic violence policy. Tigers general manager Al Avila said in mid-December he had not yet spoken to Norris about that situation.

Contact Kirkland Crawford: kcrawford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @HiKirkHere.