Rays promote Nathan Karns, designate Heath Bell for assignment

Nathan Karns will become the Tampa Bay Rays' new depth piece in the bullpen.

On Sunday morning, the team promoted the right-hander, who was acquired in a four-player trade with the Washington Nationals last February. The Rays also designated right-hander Heath Bell for assignment.

Karns, 26, allowed no runs and four hits in 6 1/3 innings in spring training with Tampa Bay. He was 2-2 with an 8.20 ERA in 26 1/3 innings with Triple-A Durham after he was optioned to the Bulls on March 13.

Bell, a three-time All-Star, was acquired last December in a three-team trade between the Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds. The 36-year-old had a 7.27 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings this season.

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