Tampa Bay Rays recall RHP Austin Pruitt, option LHP Adam Kolarek

Following Wednesday's pitching implosion from the Tampa Bay Rays contingent of pitchers, they were in need of a fresh arm and have recalled right-handed pitcher Austin Pruitt and have optioned left-handed pitcher Adam Kolarek to Triple-A Durham, per reports from Marc Topkin and Juan Toribio.

Blake Snell only managed to record just one out during his performance yesterday and the Rays would have to rely on a franchise record, nine players to pitch, including infielder Daniel Robertson. Adam Kolarek pitched 1 ¹⁄₃ innings, allowing three runs on one hit, while he walked two and struck out three (Oliver Drake allowed all of Kolarek’s runner left on base, to score).

Kolarek has mostly been a dependable arm for the Rays in 2019, however, he has endured some struggles. After a fantastic month of April, Kolarek has given up 12 runs over his last 15 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched and he’s allowed runs in eight of his 21 appearances since May 7th.

Austin Pruitt rejoins the Rays for his 6th stint with the big league club this season. During his time with the Rays in 2019, Pruitt has pitched in five games — most recently on June 8th against the Boston Red Sox — allowing a total of 9 runs on 12 hits over 12 ²⁄₃ innings pitched.

Yesterday’s game was the 10th time in team history the Rays used 9 pitchers in a game, and the first time in team history the Rays used 9 or more pitchers in a game that did not go into extra innings. They’ll need the fresh arm in Oakland.