Tampa Bay Rays promote RHP Yonny Chirinos, option LHP Adam Kolarek

Following last night’s thrilling victory over the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays announced they have promoted right-handed pitcher, Yonny Chirinos, from Triple-A Durham to start tonight’s game. In the corresponding roster move, the Rays optioned left-handed pitcher, Adam Kolarek, back down to Durham.

Chirinos excelled during spring training and earned a spot on the Rays Opening Day roster, and eventually took a spot in the starting rotation, thanks to solid performance and the barragement of injuries that assaulted the Rays pitching staff. However, once he was formally given a spot in the rotation for the Rays, Chirinos began to struggle and was eventually placed on the disabled list due to a strained forearm in early May.

Chirinos would be activated towards the end of June, but would be immediately optioned to Durham. He went on the DL once more, but has since been activated. He has made three starts for Durham since his second DL stint, allowing four runs — three earned — over 12 innings pitched. His last major league start came back on April 28th.

Kolarek did what was asked of him during his three week stint with the Rays. Appearing in seven games for Tampa Bay, Kolarek had a couple of very rough outings, skewing his numbers. Overall, he allowed nine runs on 14 hits, while he walked two and struck out two over 8 ²⁄₃ innings pitched.