The Rays bolstered their bullpen by reaching agreement with veteran reliever Troy Percival on a two-year deal Thursday night.

"We're just finishing up a couple things but basically we're there,'' agent Paul Cohen said. "Troy's very excited.''

Percival, 38, took and passed a physical for the Rays on Thursday in St. Petersburg and will be introduced on Friday after completing a deal that is worth $8-million over two years and could exceed $10-million based on appearances and games finished.

Percival starred for the Angels when Rays manager Joe Maddon was a coach in Anaheim, spent two seasons retired following an elbow injury (sustained at Tropicana Field in a July 9, 2005 game) and made an impressive comeback last summer with St. Louis, posting a 1.80 ERA in 40 innings over 34 games.

He would join, and could possibly supplant, Al Reyes as the Rays closer. Percical chose the Rays over several teams, reportedly including the Yankees and Brewers.

Also Thursday, RHP Matt Garza and SS Jason Bartlett, the two key pieces acquired from Minnesota on Wednesday for RF Delmon Young, said they were excited to join the Rays.

"I was surprised because I didn"t think I was really leaving Minnesota, but after thinking about it, it's a great opportunity for me,'' Bartlett said. "They've got a lot of young talent over there and from what I heard it's a great group of guys and I heard the coaching staff is awesome. ... It sounds like a good fit for me and I'm excited.''