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Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

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INF Keppinger close to joining the Rays

Posted Jan 25, 2012 by Roger Mooney

Updated Jan 25, 2012 at 10:38 PM

ROGER MOONEY

Infielder Jeff Keppinger could be the Rays utility infielder by the end of the week.

Keppinger is expected to take a physical Thursday, the last stop on the way to finalizing a contract.

The free agent split the 2011 season between the Astros and the Giants. He was non-tendered by the Giants after the season. He spent time on the disabled list with both teams after having surgery on his left foot before Opening Day and injuring his right wrist after the trade.

Keppinger (career stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keppije01.shtml) was used at second base by both teams but has played more than 100 games at second base, shortstop and third base during his seven-year career. He also has seen time at first base and all three outfield positions.

The 31-year-old, who made $2.3 million in 2011, would give the Rays another right-handed bat as well as depth around the infield. His experience – albeit not much – in the outfield would open options for Joe Maddon as Maddon goes to his bench during the late innings.

Keppinger will help the Rays against left-handed pitching. He is a career .324 hitter vs. lefties with a .371 on-base percentage and a .481 slugging percentage.

You might recall Keppinger as a tough out during the Rays three-game sweep last June in Houston. Keppinger was 5-for-11 with a double, home run and two RBI during the three games, getting those hits in his last five at-bats.