IN BRIEF : Braves Sign Infielder Darrell Evans

ATLANTA —  The Atlanta Braves today signed free agent infielder Darrell Evans, the 41-year-old former Detroit Tiger who started his big-league career in Atlanta 20 seasons ago.

Evans technically signed a minor-league contract with incentive bonuses available if he makes the major league team. That move was needed because the Braves’ 40-man big-league roster is filled.

Evans hit .208 with 22 home runs and 64 runs batted in last season, after hitting .257 with 34 homers and 99 RBI in the Tigers’ pennant-winning 1987 season. Detroit did not offer him a contract for 1989.

“He’s the kind of guy who can help us,” Atlanta General Manager Bobby Cox said. “I look forward to him being a big part of the Braves in 1989, both in the regular lineup at either third or first base, and as a pinch-hitter.”

Evans played for the Braves from 1969 to 1976 before going to San Francisco in 1976 and Detroit in 1984.