Bobby

Seay

Seay is getting sent down even though he had pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings since being recalled 11 days ago. He’ll probably be back once the Rays trade a pitcher or two.

Seay had given up runs in his last four appearances, taking his ERA from 2.53 to 6.46. Since the Tigers weren’t using him as a specialist at all, they’re probably better off going with more of a middle reliever in his spot. However, another team may want to grab him. Lefties were hitting just .227 off him.

It was clear when Mike Venafro was let go that Seay would have a bullpen job sometime soon. He had a 1.50 ERA in 10 relief appearances for Durham after starting the season on the disabled list because of tendinitis in his left shoulder.

Seay cleared waivers even though there are weaker lefty specialists on major league rosters. It’s now up to him whether he wants to stay with the organizaion or become a free agent.

Seay has been rehabbing a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder rather than undergo surgery. Andrews will either give him clearance to resume throwing a baseball or recommend a shoulder procedure. Either way, the Tigers aren’t expecting him back before the end of June.

Seay did not make his late-May projected return. He may need another couple weeks.

The Rays will save some money by optioning Seay to the minors rather than sending him on a rehab assignment. They’ll probably bring him back to the majors in a few weeks.

He just came off the DL four days earlier with a strained pectoral muscle and was obviously lacking velocity on his fastball. He was clocked at just 84 mph and gave up back-to-back homers in that outing, giving the Rockies reason for concern regarding his health.

Seay, out since mid-April with a strained pectoral muscle, figures to make several more appearances in the minors before being activated.

The Rays plan to go with 11 pitchers for now, activating Travis Lee on Tuesday to take Seay’s spot.