Rays Activate Matt Joyce from DL; Option Will Rhymes

The Tampa Bay Rays have activated outfielder Matt Joyce from the disabled list, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:

#Rays activate Joyce from DL, option Rhymes to AAA

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 17, 2012

To make room on their roster for Joyce, the Rays optioned infielder Will Rhymes to Triple-A.

Joyce, 27, has been out since the middle of June with an oblique injury. Prior to his activation, Joyce played in three minor league rehab games with a pair of Rays’ affiliates. He logged two games with the club’s High-A team and one with their Triple-A squad. Over his 10 at-bats, Joyce collected two hits and two RBIs.

Before hitting the DL, Joyce maintained a line of .279/.387/.512 with eight doubles, three triples, 11 home runs and 34 RBIs for the Rays. He figures to offer a much-needed boost to Tampa Bay’s offensively-challenged lineup.

Rhymes, 29, appeared in 45 games with the Rays this season, hitting at a clip of .233/.306/.292 over his 120 at-bats.

_____________________________________________________________________

Will Joyce pick up offensively where he left off prior to his injury?

_____________________________________________________________________