Rays place Brandon Gomes on disabled list

The Tampa Bay Rays placed pitcher Brandon Gomes on the disabled list Friday, retroactive to May 8. The team has called up Josh Lueke from Triple-A to take his roster spot.

Gomes, 28, has a right lateral strain, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The right hander faced one batter on Tuesday and recorded a strikeout before being taken out of the game.

The Rays have relied heavily on Gomes in the bullpen this season as he has already pitched in 14 games after making a combined 55 appearances the past two seasons. He has given up seven earned runs over those 14 games, but six of those came between two three-run innings. Gomes has a 16:2 K:BB ratio on the year.

After a down year in 2012, Lueke has been phenomenal this season in Triple-A Durham. In 14 games working as Durham's closer, Lueke has allowed just two earned runs and has struck out 29 hitters to just five walks. The 28 year old has had his ups and downs in seven minor league seasons, but has a 3.52 ERA overall.

Lueke has pitched 28 games in the majors the last two seasons, earning a 7.25 ERA.