Keppinger signs 1-year deal with Rays

Free agent infielder Jeff Keppinger has signed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The 31-year-old Keppinger who plays shortstop as well as second and third base split last season between the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants, combining to bat .277. A .281 career hitter in seven seasons with the Mets, Royals, Reds, Astros and Giants, the right-handed batting Keppinger has a .324 lifetime average against left-handed pitching. Last year, he hit .307 in 43 games for the Astros before being traded to San Francisco on July 19. He batted .255 in 56 games with the Giants. The Rays announced the deal on Friday, but did not release details of the contract.