Burrell clears waivers, becomes free agent

NEW YORK -- Pat Burrell has cleared waivers and is now a free agent, meaning he can sign with any team that wants him.

The Rays designated Burrell for assignment prior to Friday's game against the Mariners and Hank Blalock was selected from Triple-A Durham.

Burrell struggled at the plate both seasons with the Rays, and his average fell to .202 following an 0-for-4 performance at the plate Friday night against Seattle. The 34-year-old served primarily as the designated hitter against right-handed pitchers while working in a platoon with Willy Aybar, and he had not been particularly effective in that role, striking out 28 times in 84 at-bats while getting just 17 hits.



(mlb.com)