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The Tampa Bay Rays have designated right-handed pitcher Albert Suarez for assignment and off the team's 40-man roster, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. The move was made in order to clear a roster spot on the Rays roster for newly acquired outfielder Ben Francisco.
To make room on 40-man roster for Francisco,
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 1, 2012#Rays DFA RHP Albert Suarez
The move starts a ten day clock for the Rays to trade, release or outright Suarez to the minor leagues. The third of which is most likely, considering the 22-year-old pitcher is in Class-A Advanced still and has no major league service time.
The righty starter has posted a 4.08 ERA across 125 2/3 innings of work this season in 25 starts, while sporting a strikeout-to-walk ratio just north of 2. It is his second full season with the Rays High A affiliate in Charlotte.