ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 9 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays announced Friday they had purchased the contract of controversial lefthander John Rocker from Class AA Orlando of the Southern League.
Seeking help in the bullpen, the Devil Rays signed Rocker to a minor league contract on April 10. At Orlando, Rocker allowed four hits over four scoreless innings, walking one and striking out two.
The 28-year-old Rocker went 2-3 with one save and a 6.66 ERA in 30 appearances with the Texas Rangers last season. He had a career-high 38 saves with the Atlanta Braves in 1999, but created controversy that December when he made comments about gays and minorities in New York City.
Rocker's remarks drew a fine and suspension from baseball. He was showered with boos and projectiles in subsequent visits to New York.
In addition to bringing Rocker back to the majors, the Devil Rays made a host of other moves, including activating lefthander Jim Parque from the 15-day disabled list. He drew the starting assignment for Friday night's game against the Detroit Tigers.
Parque has been sidelined since April 9 with tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. The lefthander has a history of arm problems. He was limited to eight starts for the Chicago White Sox last season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.
