The Tampa Bay Rays set their Opening Day roster on Saturday, and in a rather surprising move, the team designated INF Nick Franklin for assignment — favoring rookie INF Daniel Robertson instead. They also announced that Peter Bourjos, Jumbo Díaz and Mallex Smith will be added to the 25-man roster.
The following players will be placed on the #RaysOpeningDay roster:
Bourjos
Díaz
Robertson
Smith pic.twitter.com/FUxj4f4nYN— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 1, 2017
This in spite of an impressive spring campaign, Rays manager Kevin Cash said the decision came down to Robertson being able to provide better depth at short than Franklin.
If Franklin clears waivers he could still accept an assignment to Triple-A Durham.
The Rays still have to open a spot on the 40-man roster, and — according to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) — may be looking to trade one of the catchers sent down earlier this week, Curt Casali or Luke Maile. Another option would be to move RHP Ryan Garton.
Robertson became emotional in talking about his reaction to the news, calling to tell his mom and then listening to a special voicemail saved from his father, whom he lost a few years ago, after learning he’s officially a big leaguer.
Daniel Robertson lost his dad a few years ago. He played a special voicemail after learning he’s officially a big leaguer. pic.twitter.com/C91whVK3Tn
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 1, 2017
Here’s who the Rays will have on their Opening Day roster:
Starters
Chris Archer
Jake Odorizzi
Alex Cobb
Blake Snell
Matt Andriese
Relievers
Alex Colome
Erasmo Ramirez
Xavier Cedeno
Tommy Hunter
Austin Pruitt
Danny Farquhar
Jumbo Diaz
Infielders
Evan Longoria
Tim Beckham
Brad Miller
Rickie Weeks
Daniel Robertson
Logan Morrison
Outfielders
Kevin Kiermaier
Steven Souza Jr.
Corey Dickerson
Mallex Smith
Peter Bourjos
Catchers
Derek Norris
Jesus Sucre