ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Rocco
Baldelli is getting back on the playing field.
The outfielder and the Tampa Bay
Rays agreed to a minor league contract Monday, and he was assigned him
to Single-A Charlotte of the Florida State League.
The 28-year old rejoined the Rays
as a special instructor during spring training. He had been taking
batting practice and participating in drills before most Tampa Bay home
games.
Baldelli has been rehabbing an
injured shoulder this year and has not appeared in a game. He missed the
2005 season and most of 2007 and 2008 due to injuries and a medical
condition that sapped his energy.
Baldelli made his big league
debut with Tampa Bay in 2003 and was part of the Rays’ AL championship
team in 2008. He signed with Boston for 2009, hitting .253 with seven
homers and 23 RBIs in 62 games.