Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore has made just one start on his rehab assignment, which lasted just 2 1/3 innings. Apparently he was impressive enough for Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey to feel the left-hander, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, is ready to return.
However, despite his excitement, Hickey knows Moore is still a few weeks away from joining the major-league rotation. Hickey estimated Moore will need 5-6 rehab starts and could be back in the rotation by early July.
"He looks really good," Hickey told MLB Network Radio on Tuesday. "Really strong. Almost want to put him that [rotation] right now, but obviously can't do that."