ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays would like to bolster their depth at designated hitter and in the outfield and have had discussions with free agent Hideki Matsui.
If signed, Matsui likely would receive a minor league contract and be sent to extended spring training before reporting to Triple-A Durham.
The 37-year-old has played nine major league seasons for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics.
Matsui appeared in 141 games for the A’s in 2011, batting .251 with 12 homers and 72 RBIs. He’s a .285 career hitter with 173 homers and 753 RBIs.
Luke Scott is Tampa Bay’s primary left-handed designated hitter. Matsui potentially could provide manager Joe Maddon with another option against right-handed pitching.
