The Rays claimed left-handed pitcher Kurt Birkins off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, according to a news release.  To clear room on the roster, the club designated catcher Raul Casanova for assignment.

Birkins, 27, split last season between the Orioles and Norfolk (AAA).  He appeared in 19 games (two starts) for the Orioles over five separate stints, posting a 1-2 record with an 8.13 ERA.  He went 8-4 with a 3.07 ERA in 20 games (19 starts) for Norfolk.  He made his first major league start at Tropicana Field on September 3rd (no decision in 4.0 innings).

A 33rd round selection by the Orioles in the 2000 Draft, Birkins made his major league debut in 2006, pitching in 35 games for the O’s, compiling a 5-2 record and a 4.94 ERA while holding opponents to a .221 batting average.  He owns 57 strikeouts in 65.1 career major league innings. 

Casanova, 35, also split the year between the majors and Triple A.  He hit .253 for the Rays with six home runs and 11 RBI in 29 games.