Major League Baseball

Sources: Indians snag free agent Damon

Published Apr. 11, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

Johnny Damon finally has a team.

Damon, 38, will sign a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Indians, according to major league sources.

In a text to the Associated Press, Damon said: ''It should be done soon.'' AP reported Thursday that the deal is worth $1.25 million.

The deal will include a full no-trade clause and an “out” clause that will allow Damon to become a free agent on a specified date after outfielder Grady Sizemore returns from back surgery, sources said.

Sizemore, who is on the 60-day disabled list, is not eligible to return until June 3.

The Indians have struggled offensively, scoring 20 runs in five games while starting the season 1-4.

Damon, a left-handed hitter, likely will play mostly in left field, a position currently occupied by Shelley Duncan, who bats right-handed.

The Indians’ other two outfielders, center fielder Michael Brantley and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo, also are left-handed, as is their designated hitter, Travis Hafner.

Still, the team needs offense, and Damon proved with the Rays last season that he is still an effective hitter, batting .261 with a .743 OPS, 16 homers and 73 RBI.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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