FILE - In this Sept. 4, 2014, file photo, Baltimore Orioles' Nelson Cruz watches his two-run home run in the first inning of an interleague baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Baltimore. Two people with knowledge of the deal say the Mariners and free agent slugger Nelson Cruz are nearing agreement on a contact that would give Seattle the right-handed bat it has sought. The people spoke to The Associated Press on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, on the condition of anonymity because the deal between Cruz and the Mariners had not been finalized and was pending a physical.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have traded utilityman Sean Rodriguez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named and cash.

Rodriguez played every position except pitcher and catcher for the Rays during the past five seasons. He has a .225 career average and appeared in 96 games this year, batting .211 with 12 homers and 41 RBIs.

Tampa Bay designated the 29-year-old for assignment last week, clearing roster room to sign free agent reliever Ernesto Frieri.

Rodriguez would be eligible for salary arbitration if he remains on the roster past Tuesday and has not signed.

Pittsburgh designated first baseman Gaby Sanchez for assignment. Sanchez hit .229 with seven homers and 33 RBIs. Pedro Alvarez is likely to move from third base to first next season.

The Pirates also agreed to minor league contracts with outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, infielder Deibinson Romero and catcher Sebastian Valle, and invited the three to big league spring training.