AL East Notes: Yankees, Odorizzi, Jays Outrights

Today's news from around the American League East:

Yankees activate Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis

The New York Yankees announced that they have activated first baseman Mark Teixeira and third baseman Kevin Youkilis from the disabled list. Teixeira, who strained his wrist during spring training, has been out all season and will start a wave of veteran reinforcements for the Yankees. Youkilis, who has been sidelined since April 28th with a lower back sprain, hit .266 with 2 HR and 7 RBI in 17 games before the injury, and will take over third base in Alex Rodriguez's absence.

To make room for the pair, pitchers Vidal Nuno and Ivan Nova were optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. While the Nuno move was expected with Andy Pettitte expected to return this weekend, Nova's demotion was a bit of a surprise. He will go to Triple-A in hopes of re-claiming his major league rotation spot.

Rays promote Archer and Beliveau, option Colome

The Tampa Bay Rays made a slew of pitching moves Friday, promoting righty Chris Archer and lefty Jeff Beliveau from Triple-A Durham. Right-hander Alex Colome was optioned back to Durham.

Archer, a top prospect who will start Saturday against the Indians, is 5-3 with a 3.96 ERA so far this year for Durham. He made his major league debut in 2012, and appeared in six games (1-3, 4.60 ERA) with the big league club.

Beliveau, who was acquired from the Rangers in April, will provide an extra bullpen arm for the Rays in Cleveland. He is 0-1 with a 2.87 ERA on the season between AAA Round Rock and Durham.

Colome, who was called up in place of struggling righty Jake Odorizzi, was impressive in his major league debut on Thursday, surrendering only one run on five hits in 5.2 innings of work. He struck out seven and earned his first major league win, but was sent back to the minors once the Rays decided to promote Archer.

Blue Jays outright Ramon Ortiz, Clint Robinson

Two Blue Jays who were recently designated for assignment, right-handed pitcher Ramon Ortiz and first baseman Clint Robinson, cleared waivers and were sent outright to the minor leagues.

Ortiz, 40, has appeared in 23.1 innings for the Jays this year, posting a 5.01 ERA. Because this is his second time being outrighted, he has the choice to either accept or deny his assignment to AAA Buffalo.

Robinson, who was claimed from the Pirates in March, has hit .270 in 47 games for Double-A New Hampshire so far this season, and is the owner of a career .306/114 HR/474 RBI line in seven minor league seasons. The former Royals prospect broke into the majors with Kansas City in 2012, and went 0-for-4 in his four major league plate appearances. He will return to Double-A New Hampshire.

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