NEW YORK -- The Rays' rotation will have a somewhat more conventional look once Chris Archer returns from the disabled list to start Monday's game against the Tigers at Tropicana Field.
Archer, who will make his first Major League start since June 2, when he suffered a left abdominal strain, is coming back after just one four-inning rehabilitation start in the Minor Leagues. He'll be limited to about 75 pitches in his first start back, but the Rays decided Friday they'd rather have him make those pitches for them than in another rehab start.
"He's not built up, and he won't have 115 pitches," manager Kevin Cash said. "But I talked to Chris, and he feels he's 100 percent healthy. Given our situation, we'll take the 75 or whatever it is."
The Rays have been going with just two traditional starting pitchers, Blake Snell and Nathan Eovaldi. While the strategy of using an opener has produced some good results, doing it three times every five days has proven to be a strain on Tampa Bay's bullpen.
"This has been difficult," Cash said. "Having only two traditional starters presents its challenges."
Archer was 3-4 with a 4.24 ERA in 13 starts before going on the DL. He didn't allow a hit in his four-inning start Tuesday for Class A Advanced Charlotte, throwing 54 pitches.
The Rays' fourth traditional starter, right-hander Jake Faria, remains on the 60-day DL with a left oblique strain. Faria isn't eligible to return until July 22, but Cash said he will take another step on the road back when he throws two innings or 35 pitches for Charlotte on Saturday.