Tampa Bay Rays option OF Guillermo Heredia, promote LHP Jalen Beeks

The Tampa Bay Rays have optioned outfielder Guillermo Heredia to the minor leagues and promoted left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks from Triple-A Durham.

Heredia, 28, had been on the Rays active roster all season long after making the team out of spring training. Acquired by the Rays, along with Mike Zunino, as part of the return for Mallex Smith, Heredia has mainly served as a backup outfielder. He has played in a total of 58 games this season, hitting .227/.306/.333 with 2 HR over 149 plate appearances.

Beeks, 26, rejoins the Rays after a three week stint in Triple-A Durham. He has pitched in 19 games this season thus far for Tampa Bay, registering a 2.79 ERA / 3.50 FIP over 61 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched.

The demotion of Heredia comes as somewhat of a surprise, but with the offensive potential displayed by infielder Mike Brosseau, the Rays chose to keep his bat in the Major League for at least the time being. Marc Topkin notes that Brosseau can play the outfield if the situation calls for it.

Beeks will join the Rays tonight and likely pitch as the bulk guy following Ryne Stanek as the opener. Beeks last pitched on July 11th, while still with Triple-A, throwing just one inning.