Tampa Bay Rays trade Russ Canzler to Cleveland Indians for cash

Russ Canzler didn't really have a home on the defensive-oriented Tampa Bay Rays roster.

So after designating the corner infielder/outfielder for assignment last week to make room for the more versatile Jeff Keppinger, the Rays traded Canzler to the Indians for cash considerations.

Canzler would seem to have a chance for playing time at first base in Cleveland, or at least as a righthanded bat off the bench.

Canzler, who came from the same hometown as manager Joe Maddon (Hazleton, Pa.), was MVP of the Triple-A International League last season and made his major-league debut late in the year.

Canzler, 25, hit .314 with 18 homers and 83 RBIs in 131 games last season for Durham, his first about Double-A. He signed with the Rays as a minor-league free agent last year after seven seasons in the Cubs organization.