Tampa Bay Rays DFA Pitcher; Lose Slugger For Rest Of Season

The Tampa Bay Rays have recently made several significant roster moves.

Outfielder Luke Raley found himself on the 10-day injured list due to a cervical strain, a decision made retroactive to September 21.

This injury resulted from a collision during batting practice, causing numbness in his arm after a pinch-hit appearance.

#Rays make call up of Caminero official, place Luke Raley on 10-day IL with a cervical strain. To make room on 40-man roster RHP Trevor Kelley was DFA’d

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 22, 2023

The Rays hope to have him back for the final regular-season game on October 1, but his availability for the postseason remains uncertain.

This season, Raley slashed .249/.333/.490, with 19 home runs, 49 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and 56 runs scored across 118 games played.

In the interim, the Rays have called up top prospect Junior Caminero from Double-A Montgomery to fill Raley's spot on the active roster.

The Tampa Bay Rays have selected INF Junior Caminero to the major league roster and placed OF Luke Raley on the 10-Day Injured List (retro to 9/21) with a cervical strain.

To make room on the 40-Man roster, Trevor Kelley has been designated for assignment.

— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) September 22, 2023

Additionally, the Rays made another noteworthy move by designating right-handed reliever Trevor Kelley for assignment.

Kelley, a 31-year-old pitcher, struggled in the 2023 season, posting a 5.87 ERA in 10 games with the Rays.

Despite this, he had previously shown promise at the Triple-A level. Kelley will now go through the waiver process, where another team may claim him if they see potential in his abilities and are willing to make a spot for him on their 40-man roster.

These roster adjustments reflect the Rays' efforts to manage injuries and fine-tune their roster as they approach the postseason. Photo Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports