The Rays are "expected" to sign free agent designated hitter Hideki Matsui to a minor-league deal "soon," Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has confirmed. It was first reported by Jack Curry of YES.

Matsui, 37, spent the majority of his American career in the AL East, where he played for the Yankees for seven seasons. He was with the Angels for one season and the A's last season, where he hit .251/.321/.375 with 12 homers, 72 RBI and 28 doubles. Oakland plays in a pretty cavernous yard, though, and Matsui's slugging percentage splits bear that out (.340 at home, .411 on the road).

Signing Matsui would likely be a depth play for the Rays, as they aren't exactly hurting for left-handed pop at DH. Luke Scott is also a lefty and is currently the Rays DH while recently acquired Brandon Allen is a left-handed bat off the bench. Also note first baseman Carlos Pena is a left-handed power bat -- so the Rays are just grabbing insurance.

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