Orioles add power hitter Alvarez

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) The Baltimore Orioles have signed infielder Pedro Alvarez to a one-year contract worth $5.75 million.

A 29-year-old power hitter, Alvarez has 131 homers in six major league seasons and was an All-Star in 2013. He hit .243 with 27 homers, 77 RBIs and 131 strikeouts last year.

Alvarez, who was not offered a contract by Pittsburgh in December, is likely to get most of his action as the Orioles' designated hitter.

Performance bonuses could add an additional $1.25 million to his contract.

To make room for Alvarez on the 40-man roster, Baltimore released right-handed pitcher Andrew Triggs.