(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians and veteran outfielder Johnny Damon
reportedly have a deal in place.
Multiple reports surfaced early Thursday that Damon was closing in on a deal
with the Indians.
According to the context of Damon's conversation with MLB Network Radio on
Thursday, the deal seems to be finalized.
"I've kept myself in pretty good shape," Damon said. "I am just excited that
Cleveland is giving me this opportunity to see what I can do."
The Indians are dealing with an injury to center fielder Grady Sizemore, who
is on the 60-disabled list following back surgery last month.
Cleveland has been using an outfield alignment of Shelley Duncan in left
field, Michael Brantley in center and Shin-Soo Choo in right.
"I need to go out there and show people that I can still play [left field].
Right now, Shelley Duncan is the starting left fielder. I know they're going
to rotate me in and give him a breather," Damon added.
The 38-year-old Damon hit .261 with 16 home runs, 29 doubles, 73 RBI and 19
stolen bases in 150 games for Tampa Bay last year.
A veteran of 17 seasons in the big leagues with the Royals, A's, Red Sox,
Yankees, Tigers and Rays, Damon is a career .286 hitter with 231 homers and
1,120 RBI. He is also just 277 hits shy of 3,000 for his career.
The Sports Network