The Rays made their second roster move in just three days on Sunday, announcing that Blake Snell would make his return to the majors after a successful stint with Durham.
Before Sunday’s home stand finale against Baltimore, it was announced that Blake Snell would be making his return to the big leagues.
Snell, sent down on May 13th, has since re-found his form while at triple-A Durham. In seven minor league starts, Snell is 5-0 with a 2.66 ERA. Compare that to 0-4 with a 4.71 ERA through eight starts with Tampa Bay.
Manager Kevin Cash is optimistic about Snell’s return…
“He owned that he needed to go down, that he needed to reset a little bit, I know he put in a lot of work with Kyle Snyder (Durham Bulls pitching coach). Kyle and I have talked pretty routinely about his outings, and there’s been just a constant show of progress…we’re excited to have him back up here.”
Expect Snell to start Wednesday when the Rays visit the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Making Room For Snell
Photo By Wayne Masut | The Scrum Sports
With the return of Snell, Erasmo Ramirez will be going back to the bullpen. 4-2 this season, Ramirez has struggled of late, including allowing 10 runs in a June 15th loss. So for the Rays, who want to remain competitive in the American League playoff race, the move makes sense.
Cash admitted pre-game that Ramirez was disappointed with the news…
“At the end of the day, we’re not viewing this as a demotion, we’re viewing it as something that will help our club. But for him to feel that way, I can understand that.”
Hopefully Ramirez can put some life into a struggling bullpen. Jumbo Diaz and Jose Alvarado are 0-3, and both near a 6.00 ERA (5.61 and 5.89 respectivly). Aside from Chase Whitley (2-1,) and Austin Pruitt (5-1), the Rays bullpen needs a trusty arm. Ramirez did not allow more than two runs for his first 15 appearances this season.
Ramirez will be available in the bullpen starting Sunday.
