Kiermaier joins Rays in Toronto

TORONTO -- Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday. The move was necessary after the Rays placed catcher Ryan Hanigan and outfielder Brandon Guyer on the 15-day disabled this week.

The promotion marks the third time Kiermaier has been with the big club this season. He was up for two days in April, and five so far in May. In five games with the Rays this season, he's 3-for-12 with a home run.

Kiermaier didn't get the news that he'd been called up until an hour after his game in Toledo last night. Lucky for him, he was carrying his passport -- a necessary travel document when flying to Canada.

"They always tell you to keep it on you, because you never know when you're going to be called up," he said. "I didn't get a lot of sleep. I was up early, but I'm here and I'm happy."

The 24-year-old is hitting .305 with three home runs, 13 RBIs and 11 stolen bases with Durham so far this season.

While the duration of his callup is unknown, Kiermaier hopes he's around long enough to demonstrate his full range of capabilities.

"It's the wrong reason to get called up, but someone has to play that part, and I'm here to do whatever I can to help the team," he said. "The more time you're up here, the more you can show what you have."

Rays manager Joe Maddon said that while he wasn't in the starting lineup, Kiermaier is a viable defensive substitute on Wednesday. But with Ben Zobrist due back from the DL on Friday, it's difficult to know how long his stay with the team will be.

"He's shown himself very well here," Maddon said. "He's really an exceptional outfielder. His stay could be longer than normal."