ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays added an experienced arm to their bullpen Monday by signing veteran right-hander Joe Borowski.

"I'm very excited," said Borowski in a telephone interview. "Hopefully, I'll be getting a lot of opportunities."

Borowski, 34, was the Cubs' closer during the 2003 season, before injuries limited his mound work the past two seasons.

The Cubs designated Borowski for assignment June 29, so he just became a free agent Monday.

In 2003, Borowski saved 33 games and posted a 2.63 ERA in 68 appearances, but shoulder problems ended his season after just 22 appearances in 2004.

This past Spring Training, Borowski broke his forearm and missed most of the first two months of the season. He posted a 6.55 ERA in 11 games for the Cubs after returning from the disabled list.

"Sometimes change is the best thing," Borowski said. "But I'll always love the Cubs."

Borowski's signing might signal that a deal is near for Rays closer Danys Baez.

Baez, the Rays' All-Star selection, has been mentioned in many trade rumors. The teams said to be most interested in Baez are the Braves, Marlins, Diamondbacks and Red Sox.

Borowski said he had a long conversation with Rays general manager Chuck LaMar prior to signing with the team and was told he would be used to try and shore up the Rays' eighth-inning situation. Should Baez be traded, Borowski would be given the opportunity to win the closer spot.

"I found those two opportunities very intriguing," Borowski said. "I love to pitch in pressure situations like that."

By agreeing to terms with Borowski, the Rays will have to make a roster move to accommodate the addition when play resumes in Toronto on Thursday.