Hot-Stove: Rays DFA Sean Rodriguez, Sign Ernesto Frieri

Sean Rodriguez has been designated for assignment in order to make room for the right handed reliever Ernesto Frieri, who was acquired Tuesday afternoon. The designation of Rodriguez isn’t surprising to us at X-Rays Spex HQ — the longtime bench stalwart has been targeted as a potential trade candidate since the end of the 2014 season.

Hot-Stove: More On the Rays Roster Deadline Moves

The standing question after Andrew Friedman left for the supposed greener pastures of Los Angeles, how effective would Matt Silverman be in the vacated position? If his recent off-season moves — last night’s roster deadline included — speak to anything, I’d say he’s going to be pretty damn effective.

Hot-Stove: Rays 40-Man Roster Moves Thread (Updated)

I wrote last night that the deadline to add players to the 40-man roster, in order to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft in December, is midnight tonight, November 20th. Six players were identified as possibilities to be cut loose in order to make room for prospects, among the 38 currently on the 40-man roster. I’ll be updating this as the roster moves are announced, keep checking back.

Hot-Stove: Tampa Bay Rays at the 40-Man Roster Deadline

The Rays roster currently sits at 38, meaning before tomorrow night’s midnight deadline, Matt Silverman and company need to figure out a way to add five-to-six prospects they’re protecting from the Rule 5 draft. C Justin O’Conner, OF Mikie Mahtook, INF Ryan Brett and pitchers Matt Andriese and Adam Liberatore are the most promising.

Hot-Stove: Rays Trade Rumors, Tampa Bay Manager News, Stanton Signs Obscenely Large Contract, Etc.

While it’s been a busy couple of days for a handful of teams around Major League Baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays have been fairly quiet on the heels of the Jeremy Hellickson trade. Nevertheless, some impactful moves are expected by Thursday to create a few more spots on the 40-man roster (currently at 38) to add five-to-six prospects they’re protecting from the Rule 5 draft; C Justin O’Conner, OF Mikie Mahtook, INF Ryan Brett and pitchers Matt Andriese and Adam Liberatore being the most promising.