Littell is listed as the Rays' starting pitcher for Friday's game against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

EDGE Analysis

Littell has already made four starts this season, but on each of the first three occasions, he covered no more than 3.1 innings while operating as more of an opening pitcher. In his most recent start Sunday in Houston, however, Littell covered a season-high five innings, striking out four while allowing two runs on eight hits. Based on the workload he handled, Littell looks like he could be getting stretched out for a more traditional starting role, especially now that Tampa Bay has a spot in the rotation open after Taj Bradley was optioned to Triple-a Durham on Monday. Erasmo Ramirez worked three innings behind Littell on Sunday, so it's possible the two pitchers work in tandem again Thursday if Ramirez isn't needed out of the bullpen Tuesday or Wednesday.

Littell (1-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on eight hits over five innings against the Astros. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Though Sunday's game was expected to be a bullpen day for the Rays, Littell managed to last five innings and was stretched out to 82 pitches after having thrown fewer than three innings in all but one of his appearances this season. Despite allowing eight hits, Littell held the Astros scoreless heading into the fifth, where he allowed back-to-back singles and a double during a two-run inning. Considering the Rays are battling a multitude of injuries in their starting rotation, they may continue to stretch Littell out if he proves to be a reliable innings eater.

Littell will start Sunday's game against the Astros, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander hasn't pitched since he delivered two scoreless innings last Sunday against Baltimore, and he'll start Tampa Bay's bullpen day in Houston a week later. Littell has covered at least two frames in each of his past four outings, but he shouldn't be expected to last more than once through the order Sunday.

Littell (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing one run on five hits over 3.1 innings against the Rangers. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Littell made it through the first two innings unscathed before serving up a leadoff home run to Leody Taveras to open the bottom of the third. That would be the only run allowed by the right-hander on the afternoon as he was later relieved by Jake Diekman after surrendering a one-out double to Jonah Heim in the fourth. Littell has now allowed at least one run in each of his last three outings while his four strikeouts Wednesday marked a season high.

Littell will serve as the Rays' opener Wednesday against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wednesday will mark the third time this season Littell has served in an opener role. The 27-year-old righty holds a 6.05 ERA and 1.55 WHIP through 19.1 innings this season and will presumably stay in the game for one or two innings before turning things over to the bullpen.

Littell did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits over two innings against the Phillies. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Littell served as the Rays' opener Wednesday and got off to a good start with a 1-2-3 first inning. However, he would run into trouble in the second after striking out Bryce Harper to open the frame, allowing four consecutive singles as the Phillies tied the game at 2-2. The right-hander was then relieved by Yonny Chirinos to begin the third after seeing his ERA jump up to 5.71 on the season. On a positive note, Littell has now recorded at least two strikeouts in each of his last five appearances (spanning 8.2 innings).

Littell is scheduled to serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Littell will get the opener assignment for the second time in less than a week, after he most recently struck out three over two scoreless frames in his "start" against the Diamondbacks last Thursday. Yonny Chirinos covered six innings behind Littell that day and will presumably work as a bulk reliever once again Wednesday.

Littell will serve as an opener Thursday against the Diamondbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell will take the mound first for Tampa Bay, with Yonny Chirinos slated to cover bulk relief innings. It will be the first opener assignment this season for Littell, who holds a 6.57 ERA and 11:5 K:BB over 12.1 innings covering 10 appearances between the Red Sox and Rays.

The Rays reinstated Littell (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tampa Bay optioned lefty Jalen Beeks to Triple-A Durham to clear a spot in the bullpen and on the 26-man active roster for Littell, who missed about three weeks due to the inflamed right shoulder. Littell will likely work in lower-leverage spots for Tampa Bay after he surrendered six earned runs on 10 hits and three walks over 6.1 innings during his first six relief appearances in the majors this season.

Littell (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday and has made three appearances thus far, covering two innings and allowing four earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out one batter.

EDGE Analysis

Littell is working his way back from a bout with right shoulder inflammation, an issue that resulted in his placement on the 15-day injured list May 24. Before picking up the injury, Littell was a fringe member of the Rays' 40-man roster, so he likely won't be assured a spot in the big-league bullpen once he's formally activated. Littell hasn't helped his cause by having pitched ineffectively thus far during his rehab assignment.