Pitcher Drew Smyly to make season debut with Rays

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Drew Smyly is set to rejoin the rotation Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Smyly hasn’t pitched this season after being sidelined during spring training because of left shoulder tendinitis.

“I’m excited to get the season going for myself,” Smyly said Wednesday. “I’m ready. I’m just anxious to get out there.”

Smyly was obtained from Detroit as part of a three-team trade July 31 that sent Rays ace David Price to the Tigers. Smyly was 3-1 with a 1.70 earned-run average in seven starts for Tampa Bay.

The Rays put infielder Infielder Ryan Brett, who injured his left shoulder Tuesday, on the 15-day disabled list and purchased infielder Jake Elmore’s contract from triple-A Durham.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Elmore, left-hander Jeff Beliveau was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day DL.

Beliveau will have shoulder surgery Thursday.

Strained shoulder forces Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista to sit out game

Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista is out of Wednesday night’s game between Toronto and Baltimore because of a strained right shoulder, and won’t be able to play the outfield for the next few days.

Bautista, who had been sore for about a week, aggravated the injury while making a throw to first base Tuesday.

Manager John Gibbons said Bautista could end up on the DL if the shoulder doesn’t improve in the next few days.

Tigers’ Joe Nathan stops rehab outing short

Reliever Joe Nathan left a rehab outing after pitching less than an inning, and Detroit Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus said the 40-year-old right-hander felt a “pop” while throwing a fastball.

Ausmus said Nathan was being evaluated. He was pitching for triple-A Toledo while trying to work his way back from a right elbow strain.

Nathan struck out the only batter he faced in Detroit’s season opener but hasn’t pitched in the majors since. His stint on the 15-day disabled list began April 7.