Devil Rays release Waechter

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays released right-handed pitcher Doug Waechter on Wednesday.

Waechter, 25, split last season between the Rays and Triple-A Durham. He opened the season in the Rays' rotation and went 1-4 with a 6.62 ERA in 11 games (10 starts). He was optioned to Durham on June 7 and went 1-12 with an 8.32 ERA in 17 games (15 starts) for the Bulls. He underwent right shoulder surgery on Oct. 11 with an expected recovery time of eight to 10 months.

If Waechter clears waivers, he would become a free agent and could sign with another team. Given his recovery and history with the Rays, he has not ruled out signing with the Rays. He was left off the Rays' 40-man roster, so if he rejoined the Rays, he would likely do so by signing a Minor League deal.

"There's a good chance I could re-sign with the Rays," Waechter said. "It would be nice. I can rehab here in the backyard."

Waechter described his rehab as "going real well."

"My arm's feeling good," Waechter said. "I just have to be patient. Can't rush it too much. But it definitely feels good to feel good again. I'm definitely glad I did what I did. I have the offseason to get through it. I should come back healthier and stronger than ever."

The St. Petersburg native was selected in the third round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft out of Northeast High School. He reached he Rays in 2003, and posted a 14-25 record with a 5.62 ERA in 60 Major League games (54 starts).