The Tampa Bay Rays are expected to recall RHP Alex Cobb from triple-A Durham to start Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers.

Cobb was scratched from his scheduled start for the Durham Bulls on Sunday. The Rays will have to make a corresponding move to make room on the roster for Cobb.

Apparently, the Rays plan a return to the bullpen for RHP Andy Sonnanstine, who became the fifth starter when Jeff Niemann went on the disabled list May 6 with a lower back strain. Sonnanstine is 0-1 with a 4.21 and the Rays lost all three games he started in place of Niemann, who still is at least several weeks from re-joining the team.

Cobb, 23, made a spot start against the Angels May 1, working 4 1/3 innings and was charged with four runs, four hits and walked four. But the Rays believed Cobb was tipping his pitches and optioned him back to Durham.

--RICK STROUD