ST. PETERSBURG -- As expected, the Rays placed right-hander Kyle Farnsworth on the disabled list Thursday with a strained right elbow.

To take Farnsworth's place, Tampa Bay recalled right-hander Josh Lueke from Triple-A Durham.

Until Farnsworth, the Rays' closer, is able to return, it will be closer-by-committee, with Fernando Rodney, Joel Peralta and possibly J.P. Howell likely sharing the duties.

Farnsworth told reporters on Wednesday that an MRI exam of his elbow revealed only a strain, and he expects to pitch again this season.

Farnsworth, who saved 25 games last season, said the problem is similar to what he experienced last September when he was sidelined for two weeks. He occasionally feels pain when trying to finish pitches, especially his breaking ball.

Lueke, 27, came to the Rays in a December deal that sent catcher John Jaso to the Mariners. He broke into the Major Leagues in 2011 with Seattle and was one of the Mariners' most effective relievers over the second half of the season.

Lueke made the Mariners' Opening Day roster in 2011, but was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma in April after allowing 12 runs in 6 1/3 innings over eight appearances. He returned to Seattle in July and remained with the Mariners through the end of the season while pitching to a 3.42 ERA in 17 appearances, allowing 22 hits and seven walks with 21 strikeouts.