The Tamps Bay Rays have acquired relief pitcher Rafael Soriano from the Atlanta Braves, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The deal will be completed after the Rays review Soriano's medical report.
Soriano, 29, posted a 2.97 ERA last year for Atlanta, converting 27 of 31 save opportunities while posting a 1-6 record. In his career, he owns a 2.92 ERA in 332 2/3 innings for Seattle (2002-06) and Atlanta (2007-09). He has 43 career saves, 49 holds and 14 blown saves.
FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Rays are negotiating a one-year deal with Soriano, who accepted arbitration from the Braves earlier this week. That decision was expected to pay him roughly $6.5 million in 2010.
James Tomkins of TampaBay.com reports that the Rays will send 26-year-old pitcher Jesse Chavez to Atlanta.
