With the September roster expansion afoot, the Tampa Bay Rays made their first round of promotions. As expected, catcher Curt Casali will return to the big leagues along with RHP Ryan Garton. The most interesting promotion, however, is that of right-handed knuckleballer Eddie Gamboa.
The #Rays have called up C @Curtcasali, RHP Ryan Garton (@Gartainian12) and RHP Eddie Gamboa from Triple-A @DurhamBulls.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 1, 2016
Gamboa, 31, was a prospect in the Orioles system before joining the Rays as a Minor League free-agent this season. He was the top project in Tampa Bay’s newly minted knuckleball program, working under former big leaguer (and program coordinator) Charlie Haeger.
The righty successfully utilized the knuckleball with Triple-A Durham, posting a 6-4 record with a 2.68 ERA/2.64 FIP/.196 OBA/1.11 WHIP in 12 starts (94 innings). He fanned 89 and allowed 39 free passes, good for 2.28 K/BB.
When Gamboa makes his Major League debut, he will be the second oldest player to do so with Tampa Bay, behind 35 year-old Jim Morris — you know, the player for whom the movie The Rookie was based.
The roster additions follow the demotion of Tim Beckham Wednesday afternoon.