The Tampa Bay Rays have placed speedy outfielder Mallex Smith on the 10-day DL, while promoting Shane Peterson from Triple-A Durham to take his place on the active roster until Colby Rasmus returns at some point next week. Because the team has a full 40-man roster, Brad Boxberger has been moved from the 10-day DL to the 60-day DL to make room for Peterson.
#Rays put Mallex Smith on 10-day DL, call up OF Shane Peterson from AAA. Move Boxberger to 60-day DL to make 40-man room for Peterson
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 14, 2017
Smith has been a sparkmarker the Rays, due in part to his explosive speed that has catalyzed the team’s offense. The outfielder has slashed .273 BA/.360 OBP/.318 SLG/.678 OPS with three stolen bases and two runs.
Peterson has big league experience, most of which came during the 2015 season when he played in 93 games with the Brewers, slashing .259 BA/.324 OBP/.353 SLG/.642 OPS/.299 wOBA along the way.
Meanwhile, Brad Boxberger will not make his season debut until June at the earliest. As we noted Thursday, Boxberger is in the early stages of his throwing program as he recovers from a flexor strain. The right-hander was expected to bolster the Rays ‘pen, yet his absence has highlighted a glaring hole at the back end of the relief staff for Tampa Bay.