Tampa Bay Rays activate LHP Jonny Venters, option RHP Chih-Wei Hu

Prior to this afternoon’s series finale with the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that they have activated left-handed pitcher, Jonny Venters, from the 10-day disabled list. In the corresponding roster move, the Rays optioned right-handed pitcher, Chih-Wei Hu, to Triple-A Durham.

Jonny Venters is back in the major leagues once again after suffering a hamstring injury towards the end of June. Prior to the injury, Venters had been fantastic for the Rays. He pitched in 21 games — including one very disastrous attempt at starting — allowing a total of six runs on 11 hits, while he has walked six and struck out 11. Prior to making his return in late April, Venters hadn’t pitched in a major league game since October, 2012.

As a reliever this season, Venters has yielded just one run on eight hits over 13 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched.

Chih-Wei Hu is heading back to Durham after another brief stay with the Rays. Hu impressed during his outing last night against New York, as he picked up four strikeouts over 2 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched.