The Rays made it official, and placed RHP “closer” Kyle Farnsworth on the 15-day disabled list. On the heals of their acquisition of former Cubs reliever, John Gaub, Tampa Bay called up reliever Josh Lueke from AAA Durham on Thursday. I don’t expect Lueke to instantly be thrust into the closing role. More so, he is probably in there to offer the Rays a bit more middle inning relief. It should be noted that the Rays would have called up Brandon Gomes instead, but they are giving him a little more post back surgery recovery time. Gaub is expected to offer Tampa Bay a bit more depth in AAA.
Farnsworth will require possibly up to six weeks worth of rest for his elbow strain. Similar to the end of last season when Farnsworth’s elbow issues initially reared its ugly head, the Rays are planning on using a match-up arrangement at the end of games. Joel Peralta will likely be the first option, but you could assume that Rodney, Howell, and Davis will all be thrust into that role at some point in the near future.
In other injury news, Sam Fuld successfully had surgery on his right wrist this week. Of the surgery, Fuld noted in a tweet, “Back in FL after successful surgery in Cleveland. Thanks to Dr. Graham and his wife CeCe for taking care of me!” Fuld is expected back on the roster at some point in August.