Tommy Hunter to begin rehab assignment

The Tampa Bay Rays are close to having Tommy Hunter back in their bullpen as the veteran reliever will make his first rehab appearance since going on the disabled list towards the end of the April. Hunter will pitch at some point tonight for the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

Hunter has already pitched in 10 games for the Rays this season, allowing just one run over the course of eight innings pitched. He suffered a calf strain during his outing on April 22nd against the Astros and would ultimately be placed on the 10-day DL.

The Rays signed Hunter back in February to help bridge the gap to Alex Colome to close out games. He was one of many new faces brought in with the hope of strengthening the bullpen. The Rays recently learned that one of the new faces they brought in, Shawn Tolleson, will be out indefinitely after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.

Hunter was a 1st round draft pick in 2007 (24th overall) is currently playing in his 10th major league season. He has spent time with several different organizations, including the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, and now the Rays.

It is not known how many rehab appearances that the Rays will give to Hunter.