The Rays have traded 32-year old righty reliever Winston Abreu to the Indians in exchange for 24-year old righty reliever John Meloan. Abreu pitched in 2 games (0 starts) for the Rays this season and he was 0-0 with a 2.45 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. John Meloan was the Indians’ #18 prospect coming into this season according to Baseball America. Meloan pitched in 25 games (2 starts) in AAA-ball this season and he is 0-0 with a 5.52 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. He has also pitched in 7 games (0 starts) in his major league career and he is 0-0 with a 8.68 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP. This was a good move for both Abreu and the Rays. Abreu will get the chance to continue his career in the Indians’ bullpen and Meloan gives the Rays a young prospect who might pan out in the near future.

The Rays have sent righty starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine to AAA to make room on the active roster for Scott Kazmir. Sonnanstine has pitched in 15 games (all starts) for the Rays this season and he is 6-7 with a 6.61 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP. Sonny has allowed 103 hits in only 81 2/3 innings for the Rays this season and 15 of them are homers. In parts of three seasons with the Rays, Sonnanstine has pitched in 69 games (all starts) in which he is 25-26 with a 5.30 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Maybe the Rays will use Sonnanstine as trade bait if they feel they have a need before the trade deadline.

The Rays have lost 36-year old righty reliever Jason Isringhausen for the season as he needs Tommy John Surgery. This is just bad luck for Izzy who was on the verge of getting a chance as the closer of the Rays. He pitched in 9 games (0 starts) for the Rays this season and he was 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. The Rays have recalled 32-year old righty reliever Winston Abreu from AAA ball to replace Isringhausen on both the active roster and in the bullpen. Abreu pitched in 23 games (0 starts) in AAA-ball this season and he was 3-0 with 10 saves, a 1.41 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP. He whiffed 49 batters and only allowed 14 hits in AAA in 32 innings pitched. The Rays hope that Abreu is a late bloomer as he has pitched in 33 games (0 starts) in his major league career in which he is 0-1 with a 6.81 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP.

The Rays have released 28-year old righty reliever Chad Orvella to make room on the 40-man roster for Jorge Julio. He pitched in 19 games (0 starts) in AAA-ball for the Rays this season and he was 0-1 with a 6.12 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. Orvella pitched parts of three seasons for the Rays appearing in 69 games (0 starts) in which he was 4-10 with 1 save, a 5.79 ERA and a 1.87 WHIP. Orvella needs a new start for his career and the Rays needed a roster spot so this move will likely help everyone involved.

The Rays have signed 30-year old righty reliever Jorge Julio to a minor league deal. Julio pitched in 15 games (0 starts) for the Brewers earlier this season and he was 1-1 with a 7.79 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP. But, Julio was all over the place walking 15 batters in only 17 1/3 innings for the Brew Crew. If Julio can get back to throwing strikes he could help the Rays’ bullpen later this season because he still has good stuff. Julio has now pitched in 453 games (0 starts) in his major league career and he is 17-34 with 99 saves, a 4.43 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP.