ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays' bullpen received a major boost on Friday when Brad Boxberger was activated from the disabled list.
Boxberger's activation highlighted a busy transaction day that also saw infielder/outfielder Nick Franklin recalled from Triple-A Durham. Both took open spots on the 25-man roster created when Logan Morrison (right forearm strain) and Oswaldo Arcía (right elbow strain) went on the 15-day disabled list.
"We're excited to have Box back," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "I know it's been a long season, long rehab season for him. We have to make the most of these next 60 ballgames with him."
Boxberger, who led the American League in saves last season with 41, is returning from his second stint on the DL. He began the season on the DL following adductor surgery. He returned to the team to make his only appearance of the season on May 31 at Kansas City, suffering a left oblique strain that sent him right back to the DL.
"I feel great, feel better than last time, so hopefully it goes better than last time," Boxberger said.

When asked what he hoped to accomplish in the final two months of the season, Boxberger said, "Just finishing the year strong, going out there, staying healthy, throwing clean innings and helping the team win."
In Boxberger's absence, Alex Colomé has evolved into a quality closer, converting 22 of 23 save opportunities. Boxberger said he did not know what role he will be put into now that he's back.
"I have to prove I can stay healthy first," Boxberger said. "I can't answer that question at this point."
If Boxberger shows he's healthy over the weekend, there would likely be interest by other teams wanting to acquire him before the non-waiver Trade Deadline, which is Monday at 4 p.m. ET. Colome could also be in play if a team needing relief help came to the Rays with the right offer.
Morrison was hitting .228 with 10 homers, while Arcia was batting .259 with the Rays since being acquired from the Twins in late June.
"LoMo, obviously, he's been nursing kind of a sore right forearm," Cash said. "A little bit of a unique injury. We thought a cortisone injection would help. I think it did for a certain period of time and then it kind of flared up on him. This made the most sense to give him some time to let it completely heal.
"As far as Oswaldo Arcia, he swung at a pitch in Oakland. Really hyperextended his elbow and it caused some major inflammation there. We can't knock it out other than giving him some rest."
Franklin is hitting .313 with 13 RBIs in 19 Major League games this season.
"We're excited to have him back," Cash said. "He brought some energy and brought some life with his bat. He had some really good at-bats. So we'll get him back out there. He'll probably play a little outfield, play some first base now with LoMo down. He'll get to play."
Worth noting
• Outfielder Mikie Mahtook (left hand fracture) took batting practice on Friday and Cash was "impressed" by what he saw. Mahtook said he felt good and has no pain or swelling. Once he's cleared to play, he will have to go on a rehab assignment.
• Right-hander Chase Whitley (Tommy John surgery) will throw three innings on Saturday for Double-A Montgomery, and right-hander Alex Cobb (Tommy John surgery) was scheduled to throw two innings Friday night for Class A Advanced Charlotte. Outfielder Desmond Jennings (left hamstring strain) was the designated hitter for Charlotte Friday night.