Rays' Odorizzi to return from DL on Saturday

The Tampa Bay Rays' injury-ravaged rotation will receive a major boost Saturday when right-hander Jake Odorizzi is activated from the disabled list following a five-week absence.

Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed Wednesday that Odorizzi, hampered by an oblique strain since June 3, will start Saturday's game against the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field.

Odorizzi's return will also provide an extra day of rest for Matt Moore, who will start Sunday's series finale, his third outing since returning from Tommy John surgery earlier this month.

Odorizzi, who tied for eighth in American League Rookie of the Year voting last season, crafted a 2.47 ERA (158 ERA+) with a 4.20 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 12 starts before landing on the disabled list.