Lyle Overbay #37 of the Arizona Diamondbacks makes a play on a ground ball against the Houston Astros at Chase Field on July 22, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona.

According to multiple media reports, the Boston Red Sox have signed 1B Lyle Overbay to a minor league deal with an invite for spring training.

Overbay will compete for the chance to backup Mike Napoli at first base. He'd also provide the team some insurance should Napoli's hip issues become a problem.

He split his time last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves where he he hit a combined .259 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 65 games.

Overbay's had good success at Fenway Park throughout his career. In 43 games, he's hitting .323 with four home runs and 31 RBIs.

This is a good depth signing for GM Ben Cherington. A veteran presence on the bench and more importantly, a lefty bat off that bench should he make the team.

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photo credit:  getty images