The Rays signed righthanded reliever Lance Cormier to a one-year, $675,000 contract.

To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated for assignment righthander Dewon Day, whom they had just claimed off waivers.

Cormier, 28, was with the Orioles most of last season, going 3-3 with a 4.02 ERA in 45 appearances, allowing only 16 of 47 inherited runners to score. He has also pitched for the Braves and D'backs, and has a career record of 17-21 with a 5.53 ERA. He has the chance to earn an additional $175,000 in incentives.

-- MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer