Pirates signed C Jose Morales to a minor league contract. The deal includes an invite to spring training. Morales, who turns 29 in February, batted .267/.352/.317 with a .699 OPS over 71 plate appearances with the Rockies this past season before fracturing his right thumb in June. He'll compete for the backup catcher job behind Rod Barajas.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Pirates are close to an agreement with Jose Morales. Morales batted just .267 with a .669 OPS in 71 plate appearances for the Rockies this year before fracturing his right thumb in June. He'll serve as depth for the Bucs.

Rockies sent C Jose Morales outright to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Morales batted .267/.352/.317 with three doubles, seven RBI and a .669 OPS over 71 plate appearances until fracturing his right thumb in mid-June. With Chris Iannetta, Wilin Rosario and Jordan Pacheco on the 40-man roster, he probably doesn't have a place with the team in 2012.

Jose Morales (thumb) is getting close to going out on a minor league rehab assignment. Morales hasn't played since June 15 due to a fractured right thumb. He is still feeling some discomfort while swinging left-handed, but the Rockies are optimistic he will be able to return after rosters expand in September.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes that Jose Morales (thumb) could be back with the Rockies this month. Morales has been sidelined since fracturing his right thumb in mid-June. It's not yet clear when he'll go out on a minor league rehab assignment. Eliezer Alfonzo will continue to serve as the primary backup to Chris Iannetta for now.

Jose Morales is expected to have the pins removed from his surgically-repaired right thumb. Morales fractured his right thumb in mid-June when he was struck with a foul tip while playing behind the plate. There's no clear timetable for his return, but he could be back later this season.

Jose Morales underwent surgery on his fractured right thumb. Morales broke his thumb when he was struck with a foul ball during last Wednesday's game against the Padres. Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Monday that he could return later this season. Matt Pagnozzi will serve as the backup to Chris Iannetta during his absence.