The Tampa Bay Rays released right-hander Elvin Rodriguez earlier this week. They granted him his release, so he could pursue an opportunity to pitch in Japan. The right-hander has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Yakult Swallows of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. The 25-year-old complied a 3.42 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 53/19 K/BB across 11 starts in Triple-A this season. He threw 3 1/3 scoreless frames with five strikeouts in his lone relief appearance with Tampa Bay. The expectation is that Rodriguez will gain more value if he continues pitching like this overseas.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Elvin Rodriguez has been designated for assignment by the organization on Saturday. According to Marc Topkin, Rodriguez was granted his release from the team to pursue a more lucrative opportunity in Japan. The 25-year-old tossed 3 1/3 hitless frames with five strikeouts in his season debut against the Atlanta Braves. He'll certainly draw interest from MLB teams if he keeps pitching like that in Japan. In a corresponding move, right-hander Javy Guerra has been recalled to take the spot on the active roster.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Elvin Rodriguez has been recalled from Triple-A Durham on Friday. The right-hander will join the mix ahead of Friday's series opener versus the Atlanta Braves. The 25-year-old has been pitching surprisingly well in the minors this season. He holds a 3.42 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 53/19 K/BB ratio across 47 1/3 innings (11 starts). It's uncertain if the Rays plan on using him in the rotation or out of the bullpen. In a corresponding move, righty reliever Ryan Thompson has been optioned to the minors.

Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Elvin Rodriguez signed a minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to a source. The 24-year-old had a 3.22 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, eight walks and 23 strikeouts in 19 innings (six starts) in the Dominican Winter League this offseason. The right-hander went 0-4 with a 10.62 ERA (8.30 FIP), 1.92 WHIP, 25 strikeouts and 15 walks in 29 2/3 innings over seven outings (five starts) in his first taste of major-league action in Detroit last year. Rodriguez also allowed 12 home runs in his small sample size, so he'll have to perform much better this spring to have a shot at making Tampa's Opening Day roster.