PITTSBURGH -- Adam Kolarek was driving with his dad, Frank, through North Carolina on Highway I-95, contemplating his next move. The left-handed reliever had just been released by the Braves during Spring Training and had left their facility in Orlando when his agent called to tell him that he had been signed by the Rays. He and his dad promptly made a U-turn and drove to the Rays' facility in Port Charlotte, Fla.
About two months later, Kolarek received more good news. After spending eight seasons in the Minor Leagues, Kolarek was finally reaching the Majors. The Rays called up Kolarek and right-hander Blake Snell late Tuesday night and optioned right-hander Austin Pruitt and left-hander Jose Alvarado to Triple-A Durham.