Cubs sign Lillibridge, McDonald

The Chicago Cubs signed veteran role players Brent Lillibridge and Darnell McDonald to minor-league contracts with an invite to spring training on Thursday, reports Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.

Lillibridge, 29, played for the White Sox, Red Sox and Indians last season. He hit .195/.250/.274 with three home runs and 10 RBI. He began the year in Chicago and was traded to Boston in the Kevin Youkilis deal in late June. A month later he was traded to the Indians for Jose De La Torre.

Lillibridge's best season came in 2011, when he hit .258/.340/.505 with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases in only 216 plate appearances. For his career, Lillibridge has hit .213/.278/.350 with 19 home runs in parts of five seasons.

McDonald, 33, spent time in 2012 with the Red Sox and Yankees. He hit .205/.297/.352 with two home runs in 103 plate appearances. He started the season with the Red Sox and was selected off of waivers by the Yankees in July. He had four at-bats for the Yankees.

For his career, McDonald has hit .246/.312/.394 with 19 home runs over parts of six seasons.

Both players will compete for a spot on the Cubs bench.