Rocco Baldelli signs with Red Sox

Rhode Island native and outfielder Rocco Baldelli has agreed to a one-year contract through the 2009 season with the Boston Red Sox, Executive Vice President and General Manager Theo Epstein said in a news release Thursday.

The team did not release terms of the deal.

Baldelli, 27, batted .263 with four home runs and 13 RBI in 28 games for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008, according to the Red Sox.

The righthanded batter spent a majority of the year on the disabled list with a mitochondrial disorder. He was placed on the Rays’ 60-day disabled list on March 28 and reinstated to the roster on Aug. 10 following two rehab assignments. He made 16 starts for the Rays in 2008, 13 at designated hitter and three at rightfield.

Baldelli will be presented Thursday night with the Tony Conigliaro Award, which goes to a major league player who has overcome adversity.

Baldelli led Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick to four consecutive baseball titles, the Red Sox said.

The Red Sox said to make room for Baldelli on the 40-man roster, righthanded pitcher Charlie Zink was designated for assignment.