The Tampa Bay Rays made a series of moves before Sunday’s game, essentially reducing their roster to 27.
Pitchers Andrew Kittredge, Ryan Yarbrough and Yonny Chirinos were told they will make the Opening Day roster, a first for all three pitchers, while Dan Jennings and Daniel Hudson were told they would not make the club. Per Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) their situation should be resolved in 24 – 48 hours. With the team looking at a bullpen composed of four short relievers and four long relievers, it was going to be a challenge to keep either of them.
Jennings, a LOOGY, was being groomed for longer relief role, however, he did not fare well in that capacity. He is due $2.375-million this season, although the majority of that is not guaranteed because it’s an arbitration salary. The Rays could release Jennings and pay just one-fourth of that sum. On the other hand, the team will eat the bulk of Hudson’s salary, as the pirates took on just $1-million in the deal which sent Corey Dickerson to Pittsburgh.
Rays manager Kevin Cash told LHP Jonny Venters he would not make the team, but he is expected to accept an assignment to Durham. According to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) the Rays would be likely to make a deal for Venters if another team calls with a big-league opportunity.
Additionally, Tampa Bay has optioned Austin Pruitt Triple-A Durham, while also reassigning Jason Coats, Micah Johnson, Adam Moore, and Kean Wong to minor league camp. Curt Casali, who was re-acquired by the team on Wednesday, will be reassigned after Tuesday’s game against Detroit.
The announcements leave Brandon Snyder and Johnny Field still competing for the final outfield spot, with the potential for the team to bring in an outside candidate.
Cash explained the cuts which you can hear via the SoundCloud player below (courtesy of Rays Radio).
All told, there are 27 players left in camp, with Jose De Leon yet to be placed on the 60-day disabled list.
What follows is an updated roster (all players with a star are non-roster invites):
Pitchers (13)
Jose Alvarado
Matt Andriese
Chris Archer
Yonny Chirinos
Alex Colome
Jose De Leon
Nathan Eovaldi
Jake Faria
Andrew Kittredge
Chaz Roe
Sergio Romo
Blake Snell
Ryan Yarbrough
Catchers (2)
Wilson Ramos
Jesus Sucre
Infielders (7)
CJ Cron
Matt Duffy
Adeiny Hechavarria
Brad Miller
Daniel Robertson
Brandon Snyder*
Joey Wendle
Outfielders (5)
Johnny Field*
Carlos Gomez
Kevin Kiermaier
Mallex Smith
Denard Span