Rays option Figueroa to make room for Zobrist
Infielder picks up first MLB RBI during stint; switch-hitter to return for Red Sox series
The Rays optioned infielder Cole Figueroa to Triple-A Durham on Thursday. The move will make room on the 25-man roster for infielder Ben Zobrist to be activated prior to the Rays' three-game weekend series against the Red Sox that begins Friday night at Fenway Park.
Figueroa was hitting .250 with an RBI in seven games for the Rays this season. His first Major League RBI proved memorable as he had a pinch-hit, run-scoring double in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Rays a 1-0 victory against the Red Sox on May 23.
Figueroa then scored the winning run against the Red Sox the following night in a 6-5 Rays win that took 15 innings.
Zobrist has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 15, a day after he dislocated his left thumb with an awkward headfirst slide into second on a stolen-base attempt against the Mariners at Safeco Field.
Zobrist is hitting .260 with three home runs and nine RBIs this season with a .716 OPS and a .352 OBP.