Jeremy Hellickson will make his 2014 season debut on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals.
Hellickson, 27, will be taking the rotation spot of Erik Bedard. The Rays will shift the left handed Bedard back to the bullpen for the time being.
The road for Hellickson to return from elbow surgery has been longer than anticipated. A season ago Hellickson was 12-10 wtih a 5.17 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. The Rays will hope that he more closely resumbles the pitcher who had a 3.02 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP between 60 starts in 2011 and 2012,
Infielder Vince Belnome was optioned to Triple-A following Sunday’s game.