Another one down: Jake Odorizzi joins ranks of Rays' pitchers on disabled list
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Another Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher finds himself on the disabled list.
Right-hander Jake Odorizzi became the latest Rays player to be placed on the disabled list Tuesday, retroactive to Saturday, with a left oblique strain. He only pitched 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Seattle Mariners on Friday at Safeco Field, where his injury occurred.
Odorizzi, 25, called the strain "mild to moderate."
"It's just going to take a little bit of time," Odorizzi said. "It's probably the best possible news I could have gotten. We knew it was injured. And to what degree, we found out today. It's not awesome news, but it's good news."
Odorizzi's placement on the disabled list marks the 18th time this season that a Rays player has appeared there this season. He's the 16th different Tampa Bay player to land on the disabled list this year.
Right-hander reliever Andrew Bellatti was recalled from Triple-A Durham as a result of the move.
"I wouldn't be able to make these next two starts anyway," Odorizzi said. "So (I've) just got to attack the DL as I do getting ready to pitch, just both feet ready to go."
Odorizzi's presence will be missed. He has posted a 4-5 record with a 2.47 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 12 starts this season as one of the Rays' best starting options within an ailing rotation. Bellatti has allowed two runs, six hits, and he has struck out 10 in 10 innings (four appearances) with the Rays this season.
"From all the information that we have, Odo's DL stint is maybe better than some of the other ones," Rays manager Kevin Cash said.
"Kind of made sense to recall Bellatti. What his role will be will be kind of dependent on what we do these next three days."
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
