Tampa Bay Rays Sign Jeff Keppinger to 1-Year Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed infielder Jeff Keppinger to a 1-year major league deal, according to Jerry Crasnick. The deal is pending a physical, adds Crasnick. The deal was rumored since Monday, when Crasnick tweeted the initial interest by the Rays:

• Twitter / @jcrasnick - "Jeff Keppinger has agreed on a one-year big league deal with #Rays, pending a physical, says a source."
• Tampa Bay Rays Close To Signing Jeff Keppinger - MLB Daily Dish
  The Tampa Bay Rays are close to signing infielder Jeff Keppinger, according to Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. This follows the rumors from Monday (via Jerry Crasnick) that that club was interested in acquiring him for infield utility purposes.

• Tampa Bay Rays Interested in Jeff Keppinger - MLB Daily Dish (1/23)
  The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly interested in infielder Jeff Keppinger, according to Jerry Crasnick via twitter. Crasnick adds that Keppinger, 31, would give the Rays additional depth in the middle infield behind Sean Rodriguez, Ben Zobrist, and Evan Longoria.