The Tampa Bay Devil Rays activated pitcher Doug Waechter from the 15-day disabled list prior to Monday's 4-3 extra inning victory over the Boston Red Sox. Waechter started the game and went 5 2/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits. He walked two and struck out seven but did not factor in the decision. Waechter was placed on the disabled list on June 29th with tendinitis in his right index finger. So far this season, the righthander is 3-6 with a 5.30 ERA in 13 starts. In a corresponding move, Tampa Bay optioned infielder Fernando Cortez to Triple-A Durham. Also on Monday, the Devil Rays released pitcher Hideo Nomo. The club had designated him for assignment last week. Nomo, who joined Tampa Bay in spring training, has a 7.24 earned run average in 19 starts this year. His July ERA is a whopping 14.25. He has had trouble on the road, going 1-7 with a 10.32 ERA compared to 4-1 with a 3.91 ERA at home. The veteran righty won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1995 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His career record is 123-109.