The Rays activated Poche (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Poche has been out all month with left shoulder inflammation but will skip a rehab assignment and go directly back into the big-league bullpen. The left-hander could be in the mix for saves down the stretch as part of an unsettled Tampa Bay closer situation.
The Rays placed Poche on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left shoulder inflammation.
Poche has allowed five earned runs over 6.1 innings since the start of August, and he hasn't pitched in a game since Tuesday. He'll now be shelved until at least mid-September, and the Rays will promote Hunter Bigge and Cole Sulser from Triple-A Durham to help make up for the loss to their bullpen.
Poche didn't allow a baserunner while throwing a scoreless eighth inning to earn a hold Thursday against the Cubs.
Thursday's appearance marked Poche's fourth outing since being activated from the injured list. He has only two strikeouts while issuing two free passes across four innings in that span, though he has yet to surrender an earned run. Poche will remain in a high-leverage role, but he isn't likely to factor significantly into the saves picture for the Rays, barring an injury to Pete Fairbanks.
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Rays' Colin Poche: Reinstated from IL
Rotowire
The Rays reinstated Poche (back) from the 15-day injured list Saturday.
Poche landed on the injured list April 26 due to mid-back tightness. He began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday, and over three appearances he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one over 2.2 innings. Southpaw Richard Lovelady was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm flexor strain in a corresponding move.
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Rays' Colin Poche: Set for rehab assignment
Rotowire
Poche (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday, MLB.com reports.
Poche's last documented activity was May 22, when he threw a 15-pitch bullpen session. He'll likely only need a couple of appearances in Durham before being activated.
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Rays' Colin Poche: Throws bullpen session
Rotowire
Poche (back) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, MLB.com reports.
Poche had made little progress since suffering a back injury in late April, but he felt good after his throwing session Wednesday. He'll continue to ramp up in the hopes of facing hitters by May 30 as the next step in his recovery.
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Rays' Colin Poche: Return date unclear
Rotowire
There is no clear timeline for Poche (back) to be activated from the injured list, MLB.com reports.
Poche has received a pair of cortisone shots to relieve his pain and has been able to resume some baseball activity. However, his ramp-up has remained slow, making it unclear when he may be able to return.
