weather icon 65 °

Damon near deal with Indians

  • Last Updated: 12:24 PM, April 12, 2012
  • Posted: 11:39 AM, April 12, 2012

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians are close to signing former Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon to help awaken their struggling offense.

The club has been in talks to finalize a deal with the 38-year-old, who is 277 hits shy of 3,000.

In a text to the Associated Press, Damon said: “It should be done soon.”

Damon played with Tampa Bay — his sixth AL team — last season, batting .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs in 150 games. Damon would probably need some time to get ready after not being in a spring training camp. If Damon signs, the Indians would be his fourth team in four years.

Cleveland is off to a 1-4 start and entered Thursday batting .178, the majors’ lowest average. The Indians begin a three-game series in Kansas City on Friday.

A career .286 hitter, Damon has also played for Kansas City, Oakland, Boston and Detroit.

Get New York Post Emails & Alerts

By clicking 'SIGN-UP' you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Post PicsMore Post Pics

Post Video