ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Rays have interest in D-backs’ Ryan Roberts

Jul 24, 2012, 1:35 AM | Updated: 2:53 am

As the trade deadline nears, rumors surrounding the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to heat up.

Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports tweeted Monday the Tampa Bay Rays are interested in acquiring D-backs’ third baseman Ryan Roberts.

Roberts would give the Rays much-needed depth at the hot corner as Evan Longoria recovers from a hamstring injury.

The 31-year-old’s versatility and ability to play second base is certainly attractive to the Rays and figures to be for other contending clubs, as well.

Roberts was the D-backs’ unsung hero last season and had a penchant for hitting clutch home runs down the stretch.

Entering Monday night’s game against the Rockies, Roberts was batting .252 with six home runs, 33 RBI and six stolen bases in 82 games.

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