Cabrera appears to have a decent chance of breaking camp with Pittsburgh as a bench player while making occasional starts, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

He's expected to compete with fellow newcomer Lonnie Chisenhall for playing time while Gregory Polanco (shoulder) recovers from offseason surgery in April and May. "If Melky plays to the best of his ability and Lonnie plays to the best of his ability, it will be interesting to see where they can take it," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "Melky provides us with a bat on both sides of the plate and his ability to go play both corners can provide valuable experience, as well, and more depth." General manager Neal Huntington added that he's looking for Cabrera to add "some veteran presence in the position player group ... and a guy that can still hit at the major-league level."

Cabrera signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates on Sunday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 34-year-old spent the 2018 campaign with the Indians, slashing a respectable .280/.335/.420 to go with six homers and 39 RBI. The veteran seems to still have something left in the tank, but there's not exactly a clear path to playing time in Pittsburgh, especially with Lonnie Chisenhall joining the fray on a major-league deal to held out until Gregory Polanco (shoulder) is healthy. Cabrera will likely need a strong spring showing to warrant a big-league roster spot over players with more youth and versatility such as Pablo Reyes and Jose Osuna.

Cabrera is not starting Game 3 of the ALDS against the Astros on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera has gone 1-for-6 in the first two games of the series. Brandon Guyer will return from a shoulder injury to get the start against the left-handed Dallas Keuchel.

Cabrera is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera heads to the bench for the series opener as left-hander Chris Sale takes the mound for Boston. Brandon Guyer will start in right field and bat seventh for the Indians.

Cabrera is not starting Sunday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera is one of eight regular starters to hit the bench after the Indians clinched a playoff berth Saturday. Brandon Barnes will start in right field.

Cabrera is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera was 1-for-9 in his last three starts, so he'll take a seat for the series opener against Detroit. Brandon Guyer grabs the start in right field against Tigers' left-hander Matt Boyd.

Cabrera is not in the lineup Sunday against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera is picking things up at the plate, as he holds a .901 OPS over the past 14 games. However, manager Terry Francona is opting for a righty-heavy lineup against Toronto's left-handed starter, so Cabrera will head to the bench for a day off. Brandon Guyer will take over in right field for the day.

Cabrera is out of the lineup against Toronto on Friday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera will receive a breather following 14 straight games in the lineup, during which he's slashed .289/.373/.400 with six RBI and five doubles. Brandon Guyer will pick up a start in right field in his place.

Cabrera is out of the lineup against Boston on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera will retreat to the bench after going 5-for-7 with two home runs, two RBI and three runs scored over the first two games of this series. Brandon Guyer will man right field in his stead with left-hander Brian Johnson on the hill for the Red Sox.

Cabrera went 1-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in the Indians' 8-0 victory over the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Cabrera did all his damage in his fourth-inning plate appearance, when he took Sean Gilmartin deep with the bases loaded to record the fourth grand slam of his career and first since May 27, 2016. Though he languished in the minors to begin the season after waiting until April to sign with Cleveland, Cabrera has emerged as an everyday player for the big club with injuries decimating the Tribe's outfield depth. Cabrera's production hasn't been eye-popping, but his .682 OPS through 43 games should be enough to lock him into a full-time role until one of Lonnie Chisenhall (calf) or Tyler Naquin (hip) is able to return from the disabled list.