Schultz called up for third tour as rosters expand
CLEVELAND -- The Rays hope the third time is the charm for rookie reliever Jaime Schultz.
The right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Durham as active rosters expanded to 40 Saturday, marking his third stint with the team this season.
Schultz, who made his Major League debut on May 29 at Oakland, is 1-0 with a 4.58 ERA in 12 appearances for Tampa Bay. His previous promotions were from May 27-29 and July 8-Aug. 12.
"We know what Jaime can do, so we'll throw him right back in the mix," manager Kevin Cash said. "He might get some opportunities to open, but we'll see how that plays out."
Schultz was ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Rays' No. 24 prospect in 2017, but had his fast track to the Majors derailed because of groin and right knee injuries that required surgery following the season.
Now 27 and healthy, Schultz struck out 58 in 36 innings and posted a 2-1 record with Durham, with 23 walks and a 5.75 ERA over 32 appearances.
Cash didn't mince words when asked why Schultz's time with Tampa Bay has been limited, noting his 12 walks and two hit batters in 19 2/3 innings.
"I've pretty well stated before, it's all about throwing strikes for him," he said. "Jaime has a really good fastball and has hit-or-miss stuff, but he has to throw strikes."
The Rays also activated left-hander Vidal Nuno off the 10-day disabled list. He strained his right hamstring while running the bases on July 4 at Miami, and has been on a rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Charlotte since Aug. 17.
Nuno will resume his role in the bullpen, where he went 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA in nine outings before being sidelined.
"I like Nuno in long relief," Cash said. "We also can use him to get a big lefty out at times."
Prankster
Cash playfully stole the special dugout chair of his longtime friend, Indians manager Terry Francona, before the series opener Friday.
In retaliation, Francona arranged for a scoreboard graphic to be posted when Tampa Bay took batting practice. It detailed Cash's big league career, including his .183 batting average.
Cash said he would not continue the feud, but the gleam in his eyes appeared to contradict that.
"I'm mature, man," he said. "I don't play those games."
Track record
Indians ace Corey Kluber is the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, but Rays left-hander Blake Snell is pushing him for the honor. Kluber tossed seven shutout innings in Cleveland's 3-0 victory Friday.
"Blake should be in the Cy Young discussion -- and he is," Cash said. "But look at the guy who pitched for them last night. He's done it for 4-5 years. That's really impressive."