Cubs sign outfielder Shane Victorino to minor league deal

MESA, Ariz. (AP) The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran outfielder Shane Victorino to a minor league contract.

The Cubs announced the deal Friday. The 35-year-old Victorino will compete for one of Chicago's final roster spots.

Victorino will join an outfield that already includes Jason Heyward, Dexter Fowler, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler. The Cubs reached the NL Championship Series last year.

Victorino helped Philadelphia win the 2008 World Series and starred when Boston won the 2013 championship. Injuries have limited his time in recent seasons and he hit only .230 in 71 games for Boston and the Los Angeles Angels last season.

During the winter, Victorino hit with Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant in the Las Vegas area. Victorino says he's healthy now.

''I cannot be more excited,'' Victorino said. ''I'm grateful for the opportunity.''

''You can't put a value on being a winner and winning a championship,'' he said. ''That's the goal. It's not about playing time. It's about winning. Obviously, I've got to win my job on the team.''