AL East Notes: Sabathia change-up, Christian Vazquez's offense

On Tuesday afternoon, the Pirates announced they signed catcher Francisco Cervelli to a three-year, $31 million extension.

Baltimore has a catcher, Matt Wieters, set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Wieters accepted a qualifying offer in November, but he will likely be paid well this off-season.

Cervelli batted .295 last season and received the deal worth $31 million, all guaranteed.

When Wieters accepted the qualifying offer, he likely did so hoping he would be able to prove he is valuable as a step toward a large contract. However, unless Wieters turns things around this summer, it's unlikely he will receive a Cervelli-type contract.

More from around the American League East:

• After a few years where he didn't throw his change-up as often, CC Sabathia has used it routinely in 2016. It seems like it's paying off, too.

• Tampa Bay's offense has had a fair amount of success against the Blue Jays.

• Blue Jays reliever Brett Cecil will be out for at least a month. Aaron Loup might be able to join the club soon, but for now, it's down a lefty.

• Is Christian Vazquez offense good enough for the Red Sox? For now, it should be.

• Baltimore doesn't have much outfield depth, but that could change after this year's draft.