PITTSBURGH -- Rays manager Kevin Cash doesn't quite know what to expect from right-hander Brad Boxberger. The Rays activated Boxberger (right flexor strain) from the 60-day disabled list late Wednesday night, but he hasn't pitched since Oct. 2, 2016.
"Brad unfortunately has a lost year due to injury. … We are optimistic he can maybe come in and help," Cash said. "You look at what Boxberger did in 2014 and 2015, he was a pretty special pitcher. And the quicker we can get him to regain that form, the better off we will be."
Boxberger posted a 2.37 ERA in 63 appearances in 2014 and a 3.71 ERA in 69 outings in '15, but he made only 27 appearances in '16 due to injuries. Cash hopes Boxberger can use his two pitches -- a fastball and changeup -- to help the Rays' bullpen in high-leverage situations like he did in the past.
"Brad has a track record that he's proven that he can get big outs for us," Cash said. "That's what we are going to look for him to do. We know we need some big outs and somebody to go down and help our bullpen."
To make room for Boxberger, the Rays designated right-hander Danny Farquhar for assignment. Farquhar had a 4.11 ERA in 37 appearances this season.

"Danny did some good things for us," Cash said. "But at the same time, we had to make a difficult decision. … It was more of an odd man out."
Boxberger's return comes at a good time. Cash said he needs more consistency out of his bullpen. Boxberger can help in that department.
"The difficult thing has been the consistency of everybody," Cash said. "One guy would get hot, another guy would struggle. If we get Boxberger to where he is consistent, we know that is a pretty big weapon coming out of the bullpen."