Report: Damon has deal in place with Indians
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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.
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"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.
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"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.