Dodgers sign infielder Turner to Minor League deal

The Dodgers on Wednesday signed veteran infielder Justin Turner to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

Turner, 29, has appeared at all four infield positions over parts of five big league seasons with the Orioles and Mets, with the majority of his experience coming at second base. He's expected to compete with Chone Figgins, Dee Gordon and Brendan Harris as insurance at second behind Cuban rookie Alex Guerrero, who is unproven at the Major League level and is transitioning from his natural position of shortstop.

Excited to officially be a #Dodger!!! I'm looking forward to a great year & the chance to play so close to home. #LA #SoCal @Dodgers #Blue

— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 5, 2014

Last season with New York, Turner hit .280 with two home runs, a .319 on-base percentage and 16 RBIs in 86 games. He was non-tendered by the Mets in December.

A native of Southern California, Turner played college baseball at Cal-State Fullerton and was selected by the Reds in the seventh round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. The Los Angeles-area product took to Twitter (@redturn2) on Wednesday afternoon to share his excitement about joining the Dodgers organization.

"Exited to officially be a #Dodger!!! I'm looking forward to a great year & the chance to play so close to home. #LA #SoCal @Dodgers #Blue"