ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- John Rocker is back in the major leagues, called up Friday by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

	Rocker

The former Atlanta, Cleveland and Texas reliever has been pitching at Double-A Orlando, where he didn't allow a run in four innings over four appearances after signing a minor league contract April 10.

"He's worked hard," Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella said. "We'll give him every opportunity. I'd like to see him do well. It would be a good story and it would benefit us."

In Rocker's first full major league season, 1999, he had 38 saves as the Braves went to the World Series. After that season, he made disparaging remarks about gays, minorities and others in a Sports Illustrated article. His career went into a tailspin after he was traded to Cleveland in June 2001.

"We're not bringing him up as some type of savior for our closer position," Tampa Bay general manager Chuck LaMar said. "We're not bringing him up thinking it's going to be the John Rocker of old, throwing the ball by everybody. We're bringing him up a productive bullpen guy and hope he develops into some better."

His fastball averaged 91-93 mph during his stint in Orlando.

Rocker arrived at Tropicana Field 1 hour, 15 minutes before the start of Friday night's game against Detroit. He didn't talk with reporters before the contest, but was expected to do so after the game.

The Braves traded Rocker to Cleveland during the 2001 season, and he went 3-7 with four saves and a 5.45 ERA in 38 games.

The left-hander then was dealt to Texas, which released him in October after he spent most of last season on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.

Also Friday, Tampa Bay activated left-hander Jim Parque from the 15-day disabled list. Infielder Felix Escalona was recalled from Orlando, and outfielder Jason Tyner was brought up from Triple-A Durham.

Pitcher Steve Parris went on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury, right-hander Victor Zambrano was optioned to Durham, and third baseman Chris Truby and outfielder George Lombard were designated for assignment.