Tampa Bay Rays Roster
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Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Colin Poche (back) has resumed baseball activities, but it's still uncertain how long he's going to be sidelined. The left-hander landed on the injured list in late April due to back tightness. He received an injection in his back and needed a second cortisone-type shot in early May. The fact the Rays went out and acquired left-hander Richard Lovelady suggests that Poche won't be ready anytime soon. Peter Fairbanks, Garrett Cleavinger, and Jason Adam figure to be the primary late game options for the Rays right now.
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot (leg) threw a three-inning bullpen session on Friday. He has now completed successful three successful bullpen sessions over the week. The 26-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list after getting struck by a line drive in his last start on May 5 against the New York Mets. He owns a 3.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts across 36 2/3 innings this season. Pepiot is on track to be activated next week ahead of the three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Fantasy managers might want to see how Pepiot performs if he is activated next week before inserting him into their starting lineups. Pepiot is off to a solid start and is a mid-to-back-end starter for most fantasy rotations in 2024.
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz was 3-for-3 with two walks and a run scored in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Blue Jays. Since May 3, the 32-year-old is 23-for-60 (.365) with four doubles, two home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored, and a 7:8 BB:K, seeing his season average go from .211 to .263 in the process. So far, it's not the type of season we're used to seeing from him over the last couple of seasons but perhaps this is the beginning of breakout. The 2023 All-Star and AL batting champ is still making great contact (89.5% Contact%) and hitting the ball with authority (50.3% HardHit%).
Veteran lefthander Garrett Cleavinger earned his third save on Saturday, closing out the Toronto Blue Jays in a 5-4 victory. Closer Pete Fairbanks is back from the IL, but Cleavinger got the call to face the lefty portion of the Toronto lineup. He has been excellent for the Rays this year, going 3-0 with the aforementioned three saves, four holds, a 1.53 ERA, and a 1.25 WHIP in 17 innings in 2024. Fairbanks should get the bulk of the save opportunities, but Cleavinger could vulture some when the Rays have to face lefties in the ninth, or when Fairbanks needs a night off.
Tampa Bay Rays rookie outfielder Jonny DeLuca hit a go-ahead home run Saturday afternoon against the Toronto Blue Jays' Nate Pearson. He also stole a base after getting the start in right field today. DeLuca is hitting .306 through 14 games with two home runs, 12 RBI, and three stolen bases. He has been productive in a small sample size despite a crowded outfield that also includes Josh Lowe, Jose Siri, and Randy Arozarena. DeLuca may be a rosterable outfielder in deeper leagues at this time while he stays hot.