Report: Red Sox sign third baseman Ryan Roberts

Ryan Roberts has a career .713 OPS in parts of eight big league seasons. (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

With Will Middlebrooks on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain, the Red Sox signed third baseman Ryan Roberts on Monday, according to a New England Sports Network report citing Roberts' agent.

The 33-year-old utilityman, who is nicknamed the Tatman because of his extensive tatoos, was with the Cubs in spring training but opted out of his deal to become a free agent when he didn't make the Opening Day roster.

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Roberts has played parts of eight big league seasons with the Blue Jays, Rangers, Diamondbacks and Rays. He was most successful with Arizona, where he hit 19 home runs in 2011.

In 60 games for the Rays last season, Roberts hit .247 with five homers and 17 RBIs. He hit .305 in 82 at-bats against lefties with an .845 OPS, making him an attractive platoon option. The versatile Roberts has played six different positions in his Major League career.

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