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Russ Springer
The Rays continue to tinker with the roster, post-trade deadline, by claiming right hand pitcher Russ Springer off waiver from the Oakland Athletics. The move comes one day after adding a battery mate, Gregg Zaun from the Orioles for a player to be named later.
A number of roster moves had to be made to accommodate the additions of both players to the 25-man and 40-man rosters.
Earlier in the day the team claimed lefty reliever R.J. Swindle from the Brewers but never got to dress because he was designated for assignment. So was infielder Joe Dillon and catcher Michel Hernandez. The Rays have ten days to ask waivers on, trade or release the three players.
Both Zaun (he will wear uniform #9) and Springer (#37) will be available for tonight’s second game of a three game set with the Mariners in Seattle. Game time is at 10:10 pm (Eastern) and can be seen on Fox Sports Florida and in high-def where available.
The 40-year old Springer joins Tampa Bay with a 4.10 ERA over 41.2 innings for the A’s. He has recorded 47 strikeouts and only 14 walks. Since the beginning of June he has compiled a 1.61 ERA (22.1-IP, 4-ER) over 25 outings. He is a 17-year veteran and will be joining his ninth team following stints with the New York Yankees (1992), California Angels (1993-95), Philadelphia Phillies (1995-96), Houston Astros (1997, 2004-06), Arizona Diamondbacks (1998, 2000-01), Atlanta Braves (1998-99), St. Louis Cardinals (2003, 2007-08) and Oakland (2009).
He has made five trips to the postseason (1997, 2004, 2005 with Houston; 1998, 1999 with Atlanta) and pitched in two World Series (1999, 2005).
Dillon, 34, batted .300 (9-for-30) with one home run and two RBI since being selected from Durham on May 26. He appeared in 15 games (seven starts), spending time at designated hitter, third base and second base.
Hernandez, 30, hit .242 (24-for-99) with one home run and 12 RBI in 35 games for the Rays, including 29 starts at catcher. The rookie began the season in Durham, but joined Rays April 13 when Shawn Riggans was placed on DL.
Swindle, 26, had been optioned to Durham after being claimed by the Rays. He pitched in six games for Milwaukee this season, and was 3-1 with two saves and a 1.03 ERA (43.2-IP, 5-ER) for Nashville (AAA).
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