Tampa Bay optioned Michael Boyle to Triple-A Durham and recalled swingman Brian Van Belle, creating an opportunity for Van Belle to make his MLB debut. Boyle held a rotation spot for about a month after strong minor-league numbers, but he struggled in four of five recent starts, surrendering at least four earned runs in most outings and allowing six runs (five earned) in four innings against the Cardinals. The Rays have not named a rotation replacement; rookie Ian Seymour appears the likeliest candidate based on Triple-A success and early MLB relief work. Van Belle projects as long-relief depth given his changeup and control.
Boyle has held a spot in Kevin Cash's rotation for the past month. Tampa Bay optioned and eventually traded Taj Bradley in part because they felt Boyle deserved a starting look. The hard-throwing righty had brilliant numbers out of the rotation in the minors (1.85 ERA with a 33% strikeout rate in 15 appearances) and looked similarly sharp in relief against big league opposition. His rotation audition hasn't been as smooth.
Four of Boyle's five recent starts have been underwhelming. While he fired five scoreless innings against the Dodgers on August 3, he gave up at least four earned runs in every other outing. That includes each of his past three. The Cardinals put up six runs (five earned) on nine hits and a trio of walks in four innings yesterday.
A Miami product, Van Belle is approaching his 29th birthday and sits around 90 MPH with his fastball. He's not really a prospect, but his plus changeup and elite control have fooled Triple-A hitters. Van Belle spent two days in the majors with the Red Sox in early June but didn't make it into a game. He'll hope to achieve that milestone with Tampa Bay and should be available in long relief behind scheduled starters Adrian Hous
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