5/15 09:45: According to The Tampa Tribune, Pat Burrell has been designated for assignment and Hank Blalock has been officially called up.

5/15 09:35: Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times says that it appears that Hank Blalock will be joining the Tampa Bay Rays today at Tropicana Field.

It is unknown what roster move the Rays will make to accommodate Blalock. Topkins says that the promotion of Blalock could mean the end of DH Pat Burrell.  Another option would be to send down utility man Sean Rodriguez.

The Rays were forced to make a decision Blalock. Blalock’s agent, Scott Boras, said that Blalock would activate the out clause in his Triple-A contract which will force the Rays to either promote him to the Big Leagues or allow him to become a free agent.

There was speculation that the Rays would trade Blalock rather than just let him walk away.

Blalock, 29, hit 25 home runs in 2009 for the Texas Rangers, but had a .277 on-base percentage. You can see Blalock’s contract history and statistics here.

Related posts:

1. Hank Blalock Rumors: Could Mariners, White Sox, Athletics be interested?
2. Hank Blalock Rumors: May play in the Minors
3. Hank Blalock signs Minor League deal with the Tampa Bay Rays
4. Hank Blalock Trade Rumors: A good fit for the Mariners?
5. Hank Blalock is close to agreement with Tampa Bay Rays