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The Cleveland Indians are to sign outfielder Johnny Damon, a source has told Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Sources: #Indians to sign Johnny Damon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 12, 2012
The 38-year-old veteran, who spent 2011 at splitting time at 1B/DH/LF with the Tampa Bay Rays, was one of only a few outfielders left on the free agent market.
Damon adds some much-needed outfield depth for the Indians, who have been on the search for another player to man left field since Grady Sizemore went to the 60-day DL.
Rosenthal reports that the deal will include an out clause which will allow Damon to leave the team once Grady Sizemore returns from injury.
A two-time All-Star, Damon has averaged 143 games a year over 17 seasons in the big leagues, hitting .286/.353/.435 in that span.
Damon is currently 277 hits shy of 3,000 for his career. If he is able to maintain his average of 160 hits a year, he would reach that plateau some time next season.