by Steve Carney

The Tampa Bay Rays have made a plethora of roster moves Friday.

Jeff Keppinger, sidelined since May 19 with a broken toe, was activated from the 15-day disabled list Friday.  Also, infielder Brooks Conrad, claimed off waivers Thursday from the Milwaukee Brewers, was added to the 40-man roster and 25-man active roster. 

To make room on the active roster for Keppinger, outfielder Rich Thompson was optioned back to Triple-A Durham.  Conrad will take the place of infielder Drew Sutton, who was designated for assignment.  Tampa Bay now has ten days to either trade Sutton, place him on waivers, or give him his release.

Reliever Joel Peralta also dropped the appeal of his eight-game suspension and will begin serving it tonight.  Also, outfielder Matt Joyce is indeed going on the 15-day disabled list with his sore back, and  reliever Brandon Gomes has been recalled from Triple-A.  Gomes was optioned back to Triple-A Monday, and could not be recalled for ten days unless due to an injury.