Oviedo shows little rust in return to Majors

ANAHEIM -- Juan Carlos Oviedo has not allowed a run in May, covering 8 1/3 innings in seven appearances, while conceding just two hits. Ten of his 11 appearances this year have been scoreless.

Saturday night he allowed a hit and two walks while striking out one in 1 1/3 innings.

"I've really been kind of careful with him; I talked to him about that [Saturday]," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I thought we were pitching him too much for a bit. ... He's stretched out pretty well now. Again, I explained it to him very carefully, because I did not want him to misunderstand not pitching. I think he's doing really well actually."

On April 24, Oviedo made his first Major League appearance since Sept. 21, 2011, when he pitched for the Marlins (he was then known as Leo Nunez). In between he underwent Tommy John surgery and the rehab that followed.

"I don't care how he uses me," Oviedo said. "Everything is good. He gives me the rest I need. Every time I pitch I feel better. So I'm ready to go. Stronger than before [Tommy John surgery]."