The Rays have designated 34-year old righty reliever Joe Nelson for assignment. They needed Nelson’s roster spot for newly acquired Sean Rodriguez. Nelson pitched in 42 games (0 starts) for the Rays this season and he was 3-0 with 3 saves, a 4.02 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. Nelson’s lack of control (27 walks) and propensity to give up the long ball (7 homers) in only 40 1/3 innings this season were the main factors in the Rays jettisoning him.

UPDATE: Joe Nelson has surprisingly accepted a outright assignment to AAA instead of becoming a free agent.