ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 16 (UPI) -- John Rocker's stay in the major leagues was a brief one.
Prior to their contest at Baltimore Friday night, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays optioned Rocker and shortstop Antonio Perez to the Class AA Orlando Rays and recalled righthander pitcher Brandon Backe from the Class AAA Durham Bulls.
It was the eighth roster move in eight days for the team with the worst record in the American League East.
Rocker appeared in two games for Tampa Bay, walking three and allowing a pair of hits in one inning.
The transactions come one day after the Devil Rays signed shortstop Julio Lugo, who was released by the Houston Astros on May 9. Perez was optioned to Orlando to accommodate Lugo to the roster.
Lugo and Backe will become the 36th and 37th players to play for Tampa Bay this season, and Saturday's starter Jeremi Gonzalez will be the 38th.
