#Rays get Arcia for PTBNL or cash. Expected to be added to active roster. RHP Andrew Bellatti DFA’d to make room on 40-man roster
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 24, 2016
The 25-year-old Arcia had been designated for assignment on June 17 in order to make room for Danny Salazar, who recently made his return from the disabled list.
In need of outfield help while Kevin Kiermaier, Brandon Guyer and Steven Souza Jr. mend on the DL, the Rays sought the help of Arcia, who slashed .231 BA/.300 OBP/.452 SLG/.752 OPS with 20 homers in 2014. He, however, has struggled since the beginning 2015, batting just .236 BA/.307 OBP/.373 SLG/.580 OPS. As Steve Adams (MLB Trade Rumors) noted, Arcia actually hit worse following a demotion to Triple-A in 2015, slashing .199 BA/.257 OBP/.372 SLG/.629 OPS in 311 plate appearances with the Twins’ affiliate in Rochester.
Arcia has experience in both left and right fields, yet he is a less than toolsy outfielder. Nevertheless the Rays hope a change of scenery could help the powerful lefty regain some of his offensive swagger from 2014.
Arcia boasts 25-30 home run power, and the ability to slot in as the strong side of a DH platoon in spite of (or because of) his lack of defensive tools, streakiness, and propensity for prolonged slumps. He never really got consistent playing time with Minnesota though, so that could explain his less than productive numbers. Given the opportunity to rack up consistent plate appearances, it’s conceivable that Arcia will crush 20-25 homers and be a productive (and inexpensive) player.
Like Jaff Decker, Arcia is out of options and cannot be sent down without first going through waivers. He will not be active Friday against the Orioles, though he likely will be available as the DH on Saturday.
Bellatti made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay last season, posting a 2.31 ERA with an 1.8 K/BB ratio in 23-1/3 innings out of the ‘pen. This season he allowed five runs in 5-1/3 innings of work at Triple-A Durham, however, Bellatti has been plagued by injuries since.
In the end, this move represents a low risk pickup with a significant upside. As for Bellatti, my hope is that he will not be picked up off the waiver wire and will accept an assignment to Triple-A Durham.