Rays option Bellatti, activate Odorizzi
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays optioned right-handed pitcher Andrew Bellatti to Triple-A Durham following the Rays' 3-1 victory over the Astros on Friday in order to make room for Jake Odorizzi, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list.
Odorizzi (4-5, 2.47 ERA) will make his first start for the Rays since June 5 on Saturday after suffering a left oblique strain. The right-hander will oppose the Astros' left-handed All-Star pitcher, Dallas Keuchel.
"I'm happy that I'm getting to start now so that I don't have to wait the whole All-Star break to throw my first game back," Odorizzi said. "It'll be good for me that I can be on normal rest after the break so I can come back pretty quick and give these guys who haven't had a break over the first half of the season, besides their normal rest, an extra break."
Bellatti last pitched on Wednesday, allowing one hit in two innings against Kansas City. In five appearances this season, he has allowed two runs over 12 innings (1.50 ERA) while striking out 11.