Rays bolster bullpen with callups, DFA Wilson
Three pitchers called up; Bellatti placed on 15-day DL
ST. PETERSBURG -- Following a 6-2 loss to the Angels on Thursday night, the Rays made a flurry of roster moves in order to reinforce a bullpen in need of fresh arms.
The Rays recalled left-handed pitcher Enny Romero, who is their No. 12 prospect, left-handed pitcher C.J. Riefenhauser and right-handed pitcher Matt Andriese.
Andriese will get the start for the Rays in their series opener against the White Sox on Friday. He has made seven appearances for Tampa Bay this season, posting a 0-1 record and two saves with a 4.79 ERA. In his last start -- a 7-2 victory over the Rangers on May 9 -- Andriese pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out two.
That influx of arms, however, was made possible by a move that was hard for the team to stomach as catcher Bobby Wilson was designated for assignment.
"It is extremely difficult," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "What Bobby was to our team, our clubhouse and the pitching staff, what him and Rene [Rivera], both together, have done as far as communicating with our pitchers, they're a big part, and he's a big part of the reason we are having so much success from a pitching standpoint."
In 24 games with the Rays this season -- 16 starts at catcher -- Wilson batted .145 with four RBIs, but the team posted an ERA of 2.85 when he was behind the plate, which would be the eighth-lowest catcher's ERA in the league if he qualified.
"I've been around long enough," Wilson said. "I understand it's part of the game. You kind of wish it doesn't happen to you, but it did. I'm just grateful for the opportunity that they gave me here. They've been nothing but a first-class organization and I'm very thankful for them believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play here. … This is my hometown, so it's been a blessing.
"I wasn't really expecting it, but I guess they needed the roster spot and I was kind of the odd man out. I mean, it is what it is. It's part of the game. It's not fun for anybody, but sometimes this happens."
Along with designating Wilson for assignment, the Rays also placed right-handed pitcher Andrew Bellatti on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to June 10) with right shoulder tendinitis and optioned right-handed pitcher Preston Guilmet, who allowed two runs in two innings Thursday, to Triple-A Durham.