Rays' Christopher Morel: Sitting Friday

Morel was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Thursday

The Rays recalled INF Vidal Brujan from Durham in a corresponding move

Christopher Morel was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, the Rays announced. INF Vidal Brujan was recalled from Durham in a corresponding move.

Morel, 23, is hitting .237/.304/.415 with 11 home runs, 37 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 79 games for the Rays this season. He has struggled in August, however, hitting just .190/.250/.333 with one homer and three RBIs in 19 games.

The Rays are hoping that a stint in the minors will help Morel get back on track. He is still a young player with a lot of potential, and the Rays believe that he can be a valuable contributor to their team in the future.

Brujan, 24, is hitting .303/.387/.507 with 11 homers, 42 RBIs and 24 stolen bases in 79 games for Durham this season. He has been one of the most productive players in the International League, and the Rays are hoping that he can continue to produce at the major league level.

The Rays are currently 64-55, and they are in second place in the AL East. They are 3.5 games behind the first-place Yankees.