As I watched the game last night, I questioned why Andrew Bellatti wasn't being used. I considered that maybe he would be making his first career start later Friday. After all, he has been everything the Rays have needed, with the exception of one blemish provided by Albert Pujols.
However, following the game, a shocking revelation as the Rays announced not one, but two surprising moves as Andrew Bellatti became the team's 17th player to reach the disabled list. Bellatti's injury (is it really surprising anymore actually?) makes him the 14th of the team's 24 pitchers on the 40-man roster to have spent time on the DL this season.
The other shocking move was the decision to designate season-long back up catcher, Bobby Wilson, for assignment. His playing time has been dwindling as of late, having only started two games this month. He had slashed .145/.203/.145 this year, while achieving no extra base hits in 24 games. Behind the plate, Wilson had nabbed 6-of-21 potential base stealers, roughly 29%, while being around the league leaders with his framing.
For his part, he was completely understanding about the whole situation:
"You kind of wish it didn't happen to you, but it did you know... I'm very thankful for them believing in me and giving me an opportunity to play here. I'm just grateful for the opportunity they have given me, the Rays have been nothing but a first-class organization to me.
You can hear the full interview here.
The Rays now have 10 days to release, outright, or trade Wilson. Hopefully, he is outrighted to Durham and elects to stay with the organization. Wilson being DFA'd also frees up another spot on the 40-man roster, giving them two extra spots to work with.
Also, after last night's loss to the Angels, Preston Guilmet was demoted following his two innings of work. Then, the Rays promoted a trio of pitchers who have all spent time in the majors this season; Matt Andriese, Enny Romero, and C.J. Riefenhauser. Jake Elmore will serve as the emergency catcher, and presumably another move will be made following tonight's game. Some of the team's catching options from within the organization include; Curt Casali as the obvious choice, J.P. Arencibia, Luke Maile, or possibly even Justin O'Conner.
In seven major league games this season, Andriese is 0-1 and has given up 11 runs in 20 2/3 innings pitched. Enny Romero has struggled this season in his limited opportunities thus far, having allowed four runs on seven hits, walking fives, while also striking out five batters in 5 1/3 innings on the mound. Riefenhauser was only able to pitch in two games this season before being placed on the disabled list and the results were not very good. In Durham, he wasn't much better, allowing four runs -- three earned -- in 8 1/3 innings pitched.
Bellatti persevered through a checkered past to finally reach the majors this season, and he provided the team with some much-needed quality relief outings. Over the course of four games, Bellatti had a record of 2-0 while throwing 10 innings allowing just two runs, both of which came from a home run courtesy of Albert Pujols.
Hopefully he has a quick recovery and is back providing support for the Rays soon.