Rays Add Minor League Pitcher James

The Tampa Bay Rays added another pitcher to their farm system earlier this week, signing relief pitcher Craig James. James, a 25-year-old right-hander, was sent to the Florida State League to pitch for Vero Beach.

The Tampa Bay Rays added another pitcher to their farm system earlier this week. Tampa Bay signed 25-year-old relief pitcher Craig James, who was sent to the Florida State League to pitch for Vero Beach. James, who was released by the Seattle Mariners on July 25, posted a 6.23 ERA and 38-to-22 K/W ratio in 28 appearances in the Southern League for West Tennessee. The right-hander was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 16th round of the 2001 draft but did not sign, eventually joining the Seattle organization as a non-drafted free agent out of Miami Dade Community College in 2003.

In his first outing for Vero Beach, James pitched two innings, striking out three without allowing a run.