Like Heath Bell last year, former elite closer and Rays reclamation projects Ernesto Frieri has been DFA'd after failing to live up to expectations. In his place, the Rays have recalled up right handed hitting Mikie Mahtook from Triple-A Durham in preparation for a stretch of four lefty starters.
Frieri was signed during the offseason and was hoping to resurrect his career like so many other pitchers have under Jim Hickey, he said so publicly, but it wouldn't come to fruition. So with the DFA, the Rays have ten days to either trade, release, or outright Frieri to the minors. It is worth noting that by DFA'ing Frieri, the Rays open a spot on the 40-man roster.
In 22 games, Frieri had a 4.63 ERA and 6.35 FIP (which is the highest on the active roster) in 32 plus innings pitched. He had a career low 19.0 K%, to go along with an 11.0 BB%. Already relegated to a mop up role for the Rays, he was shaky at best, usually allowing at least one run to score per appearance. He'd also already allowed six homers this year, which tied him for second on the team (including starters).
If/when Frieri is released, it'll be the second time in less than a year that he would have been let go.
Mikie Mahtook played in four games earlier this year for Tampa Bay, and went 1-4 with a home run. During his time with Durham this year, he has slashed .242/.292/.357 with two homers in 39 games. Mahtook is striking out at the highest rate of his career at 26.2%, while also walking the least amount of his career at 4.8%.