Glover activated; Birkins sent down

RHP Gary Glover, coming off the DL with shoulder tendonitis, will be activated Monday and be available for the start of a four-game series with the Yankees.

To make room for Glover, the Rays sent down LHP Kurt Birkins.

Glover was 0-1 with a 1.69 ERA in nine games before going on a rehab stint. He had some rest, and a cortizone shot, threw for the first time last Wednesday and felt no problems.

Birkins appeared in six games for the Rays, giving up just five hits in 10 innings (.90 ERA).

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Comments

[Paul]

This says "big-league bullpen" more than any move the Rays have ever made.

Birkins has been sharp, plus he's a lefty. To think that he's the odd man out speaks volumes to the huge leap that our pen has made this year. Reyes might be a trade chip when he's back in form, but I think its clear that Birkins (and Glover) are part of the Rays long-range plans

[Ricksota]

Birkins will be back once Reyes blows up. At least we kept Birkins in the organization. Balfour is another possibility down the road. In 15 innings at Durham he hasn't giving up a run and allowed only 3 hits.

[Kris]

I'm with you boys -- Birkins has been extremely reliable. We'll miss him in the 'pen.

[phillip]

i believe that dohmann is out of options... so if he was sent down he would have had to clear waivers... but i agree, birkins has been rather impressive lately...

[Ray]

Yeah, liked what Birkins was doing as well. But, if anyone goes down, at least we know there's somebody down there that can help keep it going.

[sam]

I hope the rays know what they are doing, i saw some good things out of Burkins, i would have rather have them send down dohman until he regains his composure, anyway lets all hope for another sweep of the yankees, i cant be at the games but all yall give those bandwagon fans hell for me...Go Rays!!