OF Church reaches preliminary deal with Pirates

(AP) — Outfielder Ryan Church has reached a preliminary agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates on a $1.5 million, one-year guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $1.32 million in performance bonuses.

The deal, contingent upon Church passing a physical, includes bonuses of $75,000 each for 350, 375 and 400 plate appearances, $125,000 each for 425, 450 and 475 plate appearances and $180,000 each for 500, 550, 575 and 600 plate appearances.

Church, 31, was bothered by a sore back while hitting .273 with four home runs and 40 RBIs in 111 games with the Braves and Mets last season. He also has had multiple concussions.