The Rays are on the verge of signing free-agent reliever Shawn Tolleson, according to a report by the Tampa Bay Times. The club has not confirmed the report.
Tolleson, who turns 29 this week, spent his past three Major League seasons with the Rangers before declining an assignment to Triple-A Round Rock. He became a free agent last October.
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Tolleson began 2016 as Texas' closer but eventually was replaced after he struggled to a 7.38 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over 37 appearances. He eventually landed on the 60-day disabled list in August with a lower back strain.
Tolleson has proven in the past that he can be a workhorse in the bullpen when healthy.
The right-hander led the Rangers with 174 appearances over his three seasons with the club, while also collecting 46 saves in that span. Tolleson also recorded two scoreless appearances for Texas during the 2015 American League Division Series against Toronto.
If he does sign with Tampa Bay, Tolleson would bring a veteran presence to a bullpen that also includes Brad Boxberger, Xavier Cedeno and Alex Colome. Rays relievers finished with a 4.09 ERA in 2016, the fifth-highest mark in the American League.