Rays Claim Rookie From Pirates Off Waivers

It was inevitable when the Pittsburgh Pirates made the decision to DFA the rookie earlier this week—some team would be claiming OF/1B Bligh Madris.

The Rays have announced they have claimed Bligh Madris, who was DFA’d by the Pirates this week.

— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) September 16, 2022

Madris got off to a rip-roaring start for the Pirates upon his callup this season, hitting .310 with an OPS of .826 in his first 11 games in the majors. He racked up five RBIs in his first three games. 

But he's struggled since then, as his average has dropped to .177 with a .509 OPS in 39 games. 

New #Rays AAA OF/1B Madris is a 26-year-old lefty who hit .177 with 1 HR, 7 RBIs and a .509 OPS in 39 games for #Pirates. In 71 games at AAA, Madris hit .294-7-34-.848.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 16, 2022

The 26-year-old has fared much better at Triple-A, where he has a .294 average with an .848 OPS, showing the promise that the Rays have obviously picked up on.

The Rays have claimed 1B/OF Bligh Madris off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will report to Triple-A Durham. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rays transferred RH Ryan Thompson (right triceps inflammation) to the 60-day IL.

— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) September 16, 2022

Madris will report to the Rays' Triple-A affiliate at Durham. They've transferred right-hander Ryan Thompson to the 60-day IL to make room for Madris on the 40-man roster. 

Photos: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports, Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports