ST. PETERSBURG -- Brad Boxberger threw nine pitches for Double-A Montgomery on Friday night. Rays manager Kevin Cash said he has yet to speak with him but that his impending return will help stabilize a "taxed" bullpen.
When Boxberger, who had core muscle surgery in March, does return, Cash said he plans to transition him back into the closer role instead of thrusting him into it to start.
"He'll get plenty of opportunities in the ninth inning," Cash said. "I don't know if it's the right thing to do to stick him out there in a 2-1 ballgame the first day he comes out.