Al

Reyes

Reyes requested the move in order to seek employment elsewhere. He had a 2.35 ERA and 10 saves for Durham.

The move makes room on the roster for Armando Benitez. Reyes has been effective for the Yankees this year, posting a 3.18 ERA in 17 innings. He’s already cleared waivers once, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea for some team to claim him.

Tampa Bay signed Reyes for 2006 with an option for 2007, figuring they’d work with him to rehab the injury and then potentially have a top middle reliever for next season. He’s a long way from being back, but this is a big step.

Manager Tony La Russa didn’t announce his starter until after arriving at the ballpark today. For the 34-year-old Reyes, it was his first start after 227 relief appearances.

Reyes pitched one scoreless inning in 11 days with the Cardinals.

Reyes spent 11 days with the Cardinals last month and pitched one scoreless inning. He’ll rejoin the pen.

Reyes had a 3.11 ERA in 35 relief appearances for Memphis. He’s a solid 11th or 12th pitcher, but he’s had a difficult time getting opportunities.

The 33-year-old Reyes should finally get another chance to stick with a major league team after his impressive work with the Cardinals at the end of last season. Considering that he’s posted ERAs under 4.00 in limited action each of the last four years, he’s worthy of the opportunity. Expect him to be a solid middle reliever.

Reyes, signed to a minor league contract last month after being cut by the Pirates, had struck out 10 and allowed one run over 8 2/3 innings for Columbus. If he does well in his first couple of appearances, he’ll probably stick with the Yankees after Mariano Rivera comes back, making Jason Anderson the top candidate for a demotion.

The hits just keep on coming. The Cardinals’ starting pitching is getting lit up right now, so they don’t need to lose one of their top relievers for the playoffs. Reyes finished with a 2.15 ERA in 62 2/3 IP.