ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday purchased the contract of three-time All-Star outfielder Grady Sizemore from Class A Charlotte.
Sizemore, released by the Philadelphia Phillies on June 1, signed with the Rays two weeks later. He spent the past week playing for Charlotte.
Sizemore, a graduate of Cascade High School in Everett, joined the Rays on Sunday and was the designated hitter against Boston. He went 3-for-5 in the game and drove in a run. A left-handed hitter, Sizemore has a career .265 batting average in 10 major-league seasons, mostly with the Cleveland Indians.
“We’re going to face a string of right-handed pitching here these upcoming games, and hopefully he can provide a little boost in our lineup,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said.
Cash said Sizemore will primarily DH, but could get playing time in the outfield.
Sizemore’s promotion gives the Rays two graduates of Cascade High School on their 25-man roster: Sizemore, 32, and rookie outfielder Steven Souza Jr., 26.
To make room for Sizemore on the roster, the Rays optioned rookie pitcher Matt Andriese, who allowed one hit over six innings in Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Red Sox, to Triple-A Durham. Outfielder Desmond Jennings, out with a left knee injury, was transferred from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list.
Andriese’s departure opens a rotation spot that Matt Moore, who is coming back from elbow ligament replacement surgery, is expected to fill. Cash said Moore probably will join the rotation for Thursday’s game against Cleveland.
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