Jose Lobaton Off DL; Chris Gimenez To AAA Durham

Rays Swap Molina Back-Ups, Can't Catch an Offensive Break at C

The Tampa Bay Rays have reinstated catcher Jose Lobaton from the disabled list and have sent catcher/outfielder Chris Gimenez to Triple-A Durham, first reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:

#Rays reinstate C Lobaton from DL, send Gimenez to AAA Durham

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 28, 2012

Lobaton, 27, was placed on the 15-day disabled list for a shoulder injury following an early exit from the game against the Detroit Tigers on April 13th. Appearing in just four games on the 2012 season, Lobaton is hitting .200/.333/.300, with two hits, one double, two walks, and one run scored while striking out twice.

Gimenez, 29, returns to Durham following a disappointing (if consistent with his career) twenty four game call-up with the Rays, where he went .191/.236/.206, with thirteen hits, one double, four walks, and seven runs scored while striking out fifteen times. Gimenez has four partial seasons of professional experience, with a career line of .176/.270/.257.

Lobaton returns as the primary backup to Jose Molina, 37, who is hitting .179/.247/.308 on the 2012 season.