St. Petersburg, FL (My Sportsbook) - First baseman Fred McGriff will report to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Triple-A affiliate with the expectation of being called up to the big club by the end of May. McGriff, with 491 career home runs, signed a minor league contract with Tampa Bay for spring training, but remained home to get in shape. The Devil Rays currently own an American League-worst .239 batting average and could use some left-handed power in their lineup. McGriff will play in Triple- A Durham to get in baseball shape and is expected to see time primarily as the team's designated hitter. The 40-year-old McGriff was with the Devil Rays for their inaugural season in 1998 and remained with the club until being dealt to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline in 2001. He holds Tampa Bay franchise records in eight offensive categories, including home runs with 97 and runs batted in with 352. McGriff endured an injury-plagued season last year with the Dodgers, hitting 13 homers with 40 RBI in just 86 games. |
