The Tampa Bay Rays have added a big bat for the stretch run.

Nelson Cruz, who hit 19 home runs with 50 RBI for the Minnesota Twins this season, is on his way to Tampa, with the Rays giving up two prospects in return.

Major League Baseball confirmed the deal Thursday evening.

Cruz had a one-year, $13 million contract with the Twins, and the Rays will take on the approximately $5 million in salary he is owed the rest of the season.

The Rays are sending minor league pitchers Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman to Minnesota.

Cruz has been a full-time designated hitter for several years and will presumably assume that role for the Rays, who entered play Thursday one game behind the Red Sox in the American League East.

For his career, Cruz has hit 436 home runs.

This year, he was hitting .294 for the Twins, who have struggled after back-to-back playoff appearances.

The Rays also picked up minor league pitcher Calvin Faucher in the deal.