Left-hander Jake Diekman and the Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing a major league deal, sources told ESPN.
Diekman, 36, was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox over the weekend after allowing 10 earned runs in 11â…“ innings.
He's expected to join the Rays within the next 48 hours and would replace Garrett Cleavinger, who suffered an injury to his right ACL during a rundown Sunday against the Yankees.
A 12-year veteran, Diekman has been one of the hardest-throwing left-handed relievers in the big leagues throughout his career. He has a career ERA of 3.96 in 612 appearances.
The Rays would pay him the prorated major league minimum.
In addition to Cleavinger, Tampa Bay is missing closer Pete Fairbanks and right-hander Shawn Armstrong from its bullpen.
Among the Rays starters, left-hander Jeffrey Springs is out for the season after having Tommy John surgery and right-hander Tyler Glasnow is on a rehabilitation assignment while recovering from an oblique strain that has caused him to miss the season's first six weeks.
