Rays cut Burrell, call up Blaylock

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 15 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have designated Pat Burrell for assignment after he struggled at the plate this year, the team said Saturday.

Burrell, who is still owed $9 million after signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the Rays as a free agent, saw his average fall to .202 after going 0-for-4 Friday, MLB.com reported.

The Web site noted Burrell has been ineffective as a right-handed designated hitter, fanning 28 times in 84 at-bats with just 17 hits.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, promoted former Texas Rangers standout Hank Blalock from Triple-A Durham. Blaylock was batting .349 in 109 at-bats with the Bulls, piling up five doubles, four home runs and 24 RBIs this season.

MLB.com said Blalock, 29, signed a minor league deal with Tampa Bay in March. His agent, Scott Boras, told the St. Petersburg Times it includes a clause allowing Blaylock to opt out if he wasn't called up within a week.