With Alex Cobb set to remain in a starting role for the rest of the season due to the re-injured Jeff Niemann, the Tampa Bay Rays have recalled pitcher Chris Archer from Class AAA-Durham.
Archer, who was acquired by the Rays as part of the Matt Garza trade to the Chicago Cubs in the 2010-11 offseason, started two games for the Rays in June. He lost both of those games, but didn't pitch poorly -- allowing a combined five earned runs in the two starts, along with racking up 14 strikeouts against only two walks.
Archer will be used to add depth to the staff, as Cobb has already set a career-high in inning pitched. Manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday that he will be closely monitored for the rest of the month, but stopped short of saying that there will be a strict innings limit on his remaining starts.
Niemann, meanwhile, was diagnosed with inflammation in his rotator cuff in his first start back this past weekend after over three months on the disabled list with a bone break in his lower leg. Niemann was checked out on Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews in Alabama, and his return this season hasn't been ruled out.
The Rays, two games behind both Baltimore and New York in the American League East and 1.5 games behind Oakland in the Wild Card race, open a three-game series Friday night with the Texas Rangers, who sport the AL's best record.