ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays optioned right-hander Ryan Garton to Triple-A Durham following Thursday afternoon's 6-4 loss to the Mariners at Tropicana Field.
The Rays will make a corresponding move prior to Friday's game against the Giants. Manager Kevin Cash said he assumed that the player will likely be a pitcher.
"Obviously for Gart, hopefully it was a great experience for him," Cash said. "He put himself in a position now that we know that he can come up here and help us. He's come a long way. ... And he did a really nice job for us."
Garton fared well on Thursday, pitching 2 2/3 innings, allowing no runs on two hits and two walks while striking out five.
"I had a great time," Garton said. "Getting the experience is unlike anything I've ever done before. This is the best thing to happen to me in my life. Super grateful for the opportunity. Hopefully I showed them they can count on me."
Garton went 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA in six outings with the Rays, proving something to himself along the way.
"You always think that it's a huge switch from Triple-A to the Major Leagues -- and it is, the guys are better, but a lot of it is just lights and cameras," Garton said. "It's the same stuff that I had in Triple-A and Double-A, just getting a little more confident with it. Being put in situations helps."