Triple-A Durham teeming with quality relief options

ST. PETERSBURG -- C.J. Riefenhauser made his Major League debut on Saturday night against the Yankees. The left-hander is one of several relievers who have done well after being called up from Triple-A Durham.

Jeff Beliveau, Brad Boxberger and Riefenhauser have made a combined seven appearances and have allowed three runs in eight innings.

When asked about the depth of the group, Rays manager Joe Maddon noted there were others in the system, too.

"[T.J.] Yates is still down there. [Adam] Liberatore, there's others," Maddon said. "Truly, we have that kind of quality relief pitching at our Minor League Triple-A team. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. Back in the day with the Angels, whatever. I've never seen that kind of group that are Major League ready at Triple-A at the same time. And that you feel good about.

"It's not like it's a reach. It's not like you bring them up and say, 'I hope he does it.' You really believe he's going to do well. They're all good-stuff, good-makeup guys. They're all that."