BOSTON -- The Rays optioned left-hander Blake Snell to Triple-A Durham following Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Red Sox.
Right-hander Ryne Stanek was recalled, and is expected to join the team in Boston on Sunday.
Snell retired the first six hitters he faced Saturday, and eight of the first nine, but was unable to hold on to two separate leads as he struggled with control of his fastball and got behind on hitters.
With Saturday's loss, the southpaw fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA rose to 4.71. He has pitched six innings in just one of his eight starts.
"I believe in myself a lot," Snell said following Saturday's start. "I'm aware of what I'm doing, and I need to be better. I know I can. So, it's frustrating that I'm not doing what I know I can do."
The right-handed Stanek, the organization's No. 16 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, has made 14 appearances out of the bullpen for Durham this season, going 1-0 with two saves, a 2.00 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 18 innings.