Need for Bedard underscores Rays' depth

ST. PETERSBURG -- By starting for the Rays on Friday night, Erik Bedard became the 21st starting pitcher used by the Rays since 2008, the fewest of any team in baseball. (The Giants are second with 24.)

The Orioles (45) and the Padres (44) have each used more than twice as many starters in that span.

Of the 21 starters, Bedard is only the third signed as a free agent to make a start, joining right-handers Roberto Hernandez and Jamey Wright (both in 2013).

Bedard is the seventh starter the Rays have used this season, equaling their total in 2009 and '10, and one shy of their total in '11 and '12. In 2013, the Rays used 10 starters -- their most in one season since '06.