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Rays call up Triple-A strikeout leader Chris Archer

Chris Archer

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

AP

Chris Archer made two starts filling in for an injured Jeremy Hellickson earlier this season and the 23-year-old right-hander is back with the Rays for the stretch run.

Archer, who ranked among Baseball America‘s top 100 prospects for both 2011 and 2012, led the Triple-A International League in strikeouts this season with 139 in 128 innings and started 25 games with a 3.66 ERA for Durham.

His exact role is unclear, but Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Rays may use Archer to give Alex Cobb a break in the rotation because they want to monitor his workload. And in the meantime Archer will be available out of the bullpen.