ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - The Tampa Bay Rays have designated Hideki Matsui for assignment in order to make room for newly acquired Ryan Roberts on the active roster.
Matsui has struggled at the plate since signing with Tampa Bay on April 30, posting a .147 batting average, and hasn't had a hit since July 1.
The outfielder/designated hitter has appeared in 34 games, making 23 starts and has only hit two home runs over that time period.
The Rays must trade, release or place Matsui on waivers within the next 10 days.
Roberts, who was acquired Tuesday night for Double-A infielder Tyler Bortnick, will take Matsui's place on the 25-man roster. Roberts has been a utility infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he hit six home runs and batted .250 in 83 games this season.