A couple of weeks ago, free-agent Johnny Damon signed a deal with the Cleveland Indians. But after missing spring training, Damon needed some time to get back into playing condition. But he seems to be nearly ready ...

Look for Johnny Damon to join the #Indians on Tuesday when they open three-game series against the White Sox in Chicago.

— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) April 30, 2012

It's not immediately apparent that Hoynes has a source for this information, or is merely speculating. But he's close to the organization so I suspect is closer to the former than the latter.

It's hard to say if Damon is "ready" to hit major-league pitching; instead of working with one of the Indians' minor-league clubs, he's been getting his at-bats in extended spring training.

Cleveland can definitely use some help. The Indians have used only four outfielders all season, and all four have struggled. Shin-Soo Choo will continue to play almost every day in right field, and Michael Brantley in center. But left fielder Shelley Duncan bats right-handed, has a .221/.304/.422 career line against right-handed pitchers and basically should never be allowed to play against them. The same may be said of Aaron Cunningham, the Indians' fourth outfielder.

No, Johnny Damon doesn't have much left in the tank. But he does make the first-place Indians just a little bit better.