Athletics | Two to see time in left, at DH

Rays close to recalling Matsui

The Rays are expected to recall Hideki Matsui this week for the upcoming weekend series against the Red Sox, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Matsui has just two hits in 18 at-bats at Triple-A Durham.

Analysis: Matsui hasn't exactly hit down at Triple-A, but apparently manager Joe Maddon has seen enough to want him on the roster. He should give the Rays another option in left field and could also play some DH. Matsui batted .251 with 12 homers and 72 RBI for the A's last season and will be an AL-only Fantasy option upon his recall.

Matsui is likely to join the Rays sometime this week, Marc Topkin

Matsui is likely to join the Rays sometime this week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Tribune reports

Spin: Topkin speculates "maybe for the weekend series in Boston." Matsui is just 2-for-18 in five games with Triple-A Durham, but the Rays want him to join the big club soon. The 37-year-old is a .285 career hitter, but hit just .251 in 2011 with Oakland.

Hideki Matsui is expected to join the Rays this week, perhaps

Hideki Matsui is expected to join the Rays this week, perhaps for the weekend series against the Red Sox.

Impacts: Matsui has just two hits in 18 at-bats for Triple-A Durham, but the Rays are evidently pleased with how he's looked. He'll give manager Joe Maddon another option in left field while Desmond Jennings (knee) is out and could also see the occasional start in the DH slot.