Head was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head had pitched well in the weeks following the All-Star break and allowed just one unearned run in 11 innings across nine appearances. However, he struggled in his last four outings and gave up six runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out six in 3.2 innings. His demotion will make room for Pete Fairbanks (shoulder), who is expected to rejoin the Rays' bullpen during their weekend series against the Orioles.