The Rays announced today that they have acquired recently designated LHP Xavier Cedeno from the Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations.
#Rays have acquired LHP Xavier Cedeño from Dodgers for cash considerations. John Jaso (L wrist contusion) has been transferred to 60-day DL.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 27, 2015
Tampa Bay corresponded by moving John Jaso (left wrist contusion) to the 60-day disabled list in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Cedeno. Since Cedeno isn’t expected join the team for a couple of days, a move to accommodate him on the 25-man is forthcoming.
Cedeno, 28, was recently designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals and quickly acquired by the Dodgers. However, he was designated once more so the Dodgers could select the contract of Sergio Santos. Even though he was expected to be added to the Dodgers’ active roster, Cedeno never appeared in a game with Los Angeles.
For the Rays, Cedeno offers a left-handed relief option following the loss of Jeff Beliveau, who tore the labrum in his left shoulder. Fellow lefty C.J. Riefenhauser was also recently placed on the 15-day disabled list, leaving the Rays even more thin in terms of left handed relief.
The 28-year-old Cedeno has a relatively limited Major League track record, although he did post a 3.77 ERA (3.48 FIP) with a 10.5 K/9 in 31 innings for the 2012 Astros. He was restricteded to just 22-1/3 big league innings after his 2012 campaign, tallying a 5.64 ERA along the way.
Cedeno comes with an outstanding Triple-A track record, especially in 2014 when he amassed a 5-1 record in 39-1/3 innings, slashing a 2.29 ERA/2.37 FIP/13.04 K9/2.75 BB9/.69 HR9/.247 BABIP/80.5% LOB line with Washington’s Triple-A affiliate.