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Rays' Moore to make season debut Thursday against Indians

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Moore is back.

The Tampa Bay Rays lefty, who's been on the shelf since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2014, will start Thursday when the Rays host the Cleveland Indians.

Moore threw a 35-pitch bullpen Monday before the night-cap, the last time he'll throw before climbing on the mound in-game.

"Definitely ready to go," Moore said.

The club has been anticipating his return, already making room by optioning pitcher Matt Andriese to Triple-A Durham on Sunday.

With his return, Moore adds to an already daunting rotation in the majors, as the 26-year-old has been nothing short of stellar since breaking out in 2013. In that time, he's 17-6 with a 3.26 ERA across 29 starts.

He's also strengthens a staff riddled by injuries this season, a rotation that, despite being handicapped, has combined for the lowest WHIP (1.14) and fourth-lowest ERA (3.27) in the majors.

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