FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Rays have acquired outfielder Peter Bourjos from the White Sox for a player to be named or cash considerations.
Bourjos, who will turn 30 on Friday, was battling for a job as a non-roster invitee at White Sox camp. He was batting .313 in Spring Training through Monday. The Rays will likely utilize Bourjos as a backup center fielder, withColby Rasmus expected to begin the season on the disabled list.
 
 
Rays acquire Peter Bourjos from White Sox
 
Known for speed and defense, Bourjos played in 123 games for the Phillies last season, batting .251/.292/.389 with five home runs and 23 RBIs. He is a career .243/.300/.382 hitter over seven big league seasons with the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies.
"Right now I don't think anything is set in stone with Pete," said Rays manager Kevin Cash when asked about Bourjos' status. "Obviously the right-handed outfield bat. A guy who can really defend. I like the way our outfield could be shaping out with Colby on the DL, a combination of Steven Souza, Mallex Smith, Peter Bourjos out there to help Kevin Kiermaier a little bit. It's a pretty good outfield."
Bourjos' acquisition would appear to lessen Daniel Robertson's chances of making Tampa Bay's Opening Day roster. Robertson, who primarily has played shortstop, can play second, third and outfield.
Bourjos is expected to arrive in Florida on Tuesday.
Bill Chastain/MLB.com
 

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