Braves sign Laird for two years


Gerald Laird will be the Braves backup catcher in 2013. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Catcher Gerald Laird signed two-year contract with the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

Laird, 33, batted .282 with two homers in 191 plate appearances with the Detroit Tigers last season, but is a career .244 hitter. He will replace backup catcher David Ross, who signed with the Boston Red Sox.