The Tampa Bay Rays have designated Heath Bell for assignment and called up Nathan Karns form Durham to take his place on the roster. Bell has pitched to a 7.27 ERA in 13 games this season. The Rays will have 10 days to trade or release Bell before the 36-year-old can be sent to one of their minor league affiliates.
Bell has a 4.91 ERA in parts of three seasons since signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Miami Marlins before the 2012 season.
Karns, 26, was acquired from the Nationals in the Jose Lobaton trade this past offseason. While his numbers at AAA have been less than stellar 8.20 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP in six starts he does freshen up a Rays bullpens that has been overworked of late.
The Rays still owe Bell $5.5 million of his $9 million salary this year.
