The Tampa Bay Rays have signed free-agent outfielder Brad Hawpe to a Minor League contract, and has been assigned to Single-A Charlotte, according to a team press release.  FOXSports’ Ken Rosenthal was the first to report that the Rays were going to sign Hawpe. This morning Rosenthal said via Twitter, “Rays offer Hawpe best opp. He was looking for playing time. Streaky guy. If he gets hot, Rays have something. If not, little risk.”

Hawpe reportedly had 6-7 teams interested in him including the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers.

The Rays will pay Hawpe the prorated portion of the Major League minimum.  Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated says the expectations are to activate Hawpe in a few days (likely when the rosters expand on September 1). He was officially designated for assignment by the Rockies on Thursday, August 19, and he became a free-agent this week. The 31-year-old outfielder .255 with with seven home runs and 37 RBIs this season.