LHP James Houser, the Sarasota product who'd been suspended 50 games last August at Double-A Montgomery for  "testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance,'' has been reinstated due to something of an apparent technicality in the rules.
Since the Rays added Houser to the 40-man roster during the off-season, he is no longer "subject to the minor-league rules and is no longer considered suspended,'' Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said.
Houser was not on the 40-man roster and was pitching for the Biscuits at the time of the failed test, and had served half of his suspension. He also was not allowed to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.
But the Rays had him scheduled to pitch in Friday's spring training opener in Sarasota, and sent word Thursday night that he was now eligible. Vaughn said that if Houser is sent down to the minors after camp and kept on the 40-man roster, the suspension will still be void.