Hellickson, Jennings, Torres optioned to minor league camp

Posted Mar 16, 2010 by Roger Mooney

Updated Mar 16, 2010 at 12:59 PM

The Rays optioned RHP Jeremy Hellickson, OF Desmond Jennings and LHP Alex Torres to minor league camp today.

No surprise here.

This allows Hellickson and Torres to prepare for their upcoming seasons by getting more innings.

Jennings, who sprained his left wrist March 8, is still not ready to play.

Neither Jennings nor Hellickson, who both reached Triple A last season, were going to break camp with the big club, but Rays manager Joe Maddon said both can be contributors during the season.

Both Hellickson and Torres, who reached Double A last season, had impressive stints with the Rays.

In two outings, Hellickson threw 2 2/3 innings. He allowed one hit and struck out six, including the last four batters he faced.

Torres, acquired last August in the Scott Kazmir trade, threw five innings over three games. He allowed three hits, one run, three walks and struck out four.