NEW YORK -- The Rays added Adam Kolarek to their Major League roster on Friday, selecting the left-hander's contract from Triple-A Durham ahead of Friday's game against the Mets.
Kolarek would have been happy to get a callup to the Major Leagues at any time, but he was especially excited to join the Rays at Citi Field for the Interleague series. Kolarek was drafted by the Mets in 2010 and advanced as far as Double-A Binghamton before the Mets released him in '15. He signed with the Rays in March '17 and made his Major League debut last season.
"This is special," Kolarek said. "I know about half their team, playing with them in the Minor Leagues."
Kolarek, who had a 1.70 ERA in 29 appearances for the Bulls, pitched in 12 games for the Rays last season but will be making his first appearance in the Major Leagues this year.
Kolarek takes the roster spot that previously belonged to right-hander Ryan Weber, who was optioned to Durham after he pitched five innings Wednesday in Miami.
The Rays made room on the 40-man roster by designating outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker for assignment. Hazelbaker, whose contract was purchased from the D-backs in April, was hitting .189 for Durham.
When a player's contract is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction (had been 10 days under the 2012-16 Collective Bargaining Agreement), the player can either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.