Report: Rays close to deal with Ryan Webb

The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly closing in on a deal with right-handed reliever Ryan Webb, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

Topkin believes the Rays will announce the signing Thursday as it's the first day teams can place players on the 60-day disabled list, allowing them to clear a roster spot for Webb.

The 30-year-old enjoyed one of the best seasons of his seven-year career in 2015 with the Cleveland Indians. Webb posted a 3.20 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across 50 2/3 innings, striking out 31. He owns a 3.24 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 180 1/3 innings over the past three seasons.

Tampa has been looking to add a reliever since dealing Jake McGee to the Colorado Rockies last month. They were believed to be aggressively pursuing Tommy Hunter before he signed in Cleveland.

Even if a deal isn't announced until Thursday, Webb won't be at risk of arriving late to camp. The Rays are among the final teams to have pitchers and catchers report, with their mandatory date to arrive scheduled for Sunday.