SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants are in discussions to sign Pat Burrell to a minor league contract, a deal that could be completed in the next couple of days.

He would need to pass a physical first. San Francisco is looking to boost its struggling offense. The 33-year-old Burrell, the former Phillies slugger who grew up in the Bay Area, was designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays on May 15.

He struggled during a stint with the Rays that began two months after he helped the Phillies beat Tampa Bay in the 2008 World Series. He batted .221 with 14 homers and 64 RBI's in 2009, while making the transition from everyday outfielder to designated hitter.

Burrell was hitting .202 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 24 games this season. He was 2 for 25 with no extra-base hits or RBIs in May and batted .053 (1 for 19) against left-handed pitching.