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The Tampa Bay Rays have designated veteran reliever Kyle Farnsworth for assignment the team announced on Friday. The move was made in order to create a spot for reliever Josh Lueke.
Farnsworth, who has been with the Rays since 2011, has had a lackluster season out of the bullpen. In 39 appearances, Farnsworth has a 5.76 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP in 29.2 innings. In his first season with the Rays, Farnsworth saved 25 games with a 2.18 ERA. In 2012, he began the year on the DL with a right elbow strain and was a middle reliever for the team when returned, ending the year with a 1-6 record with a 4.00 ERA in 27 innings.
The Rays have 10 days to trade or release Farnsworth.
Lueke will join the Rays for the third time this season. The 28-year-old righty has made 11 appearances with the big leagues this year with a 3.75 ERA with 15 strikeouts and nine walks over 12 innings. With Triple-A Durham, Lueke has been outstanding, with 70 strikeouts and only 14 walks in 50 innings of work. He has a 0.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIp and 14 saves in 34 appearances with the Bulls.