After posting a 4.95 ERA in 15 starts for the Rays veteran starter Erik Bedard has been shifted to the bullpen to clear a rotation spot for right-hander Jeremy Hellickson’s return from the disabled list.
Hellickson has been recovering from January elbow surgery and made six minor-league rehab starts. He really struggled in five outings at Triple-A, going 1-4 with a 7.55 ERA, but Hellickson’s most recent start there was semi-decent and apparently the Rays are convinced he’s ready to start for them Tuesday against the Royals.
Hellickson won the Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and followed that up with an equally strong 2012, but he had a 5.17 ERA in 32 starts last season and has been anything but impressive rehabbing in the minors. Tampa Bay had the ability to activate him from the disabled list and option him to the minors, but is choosing not to do so.