Tampa Bay Rays News

EAST

Cedric Mullins • CF • Rays

Cedric Mullins, Rays Agree on One-Year Deal

Free-agent outfielder Cedric Mullins and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed on a one-year deal on Wednesday, pending a physical, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Mullins, 31, struggled last year with the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Mets, posting a .216/.299/.391 slash line with 17 home runs, 58 runs, 59 RBI, 22 stolen bases, and a 94 wRC+ over 498 plate appearances. Mullins had a career-low .209 xBA, while his 24.1% strikeout rate was the highest it has been since the 2020 season. For Tampa Bay, the left-handed hitter figures to be the everyday starting center fielder, and since the Rays led the league in steals last year by a wide margin, he should have the green light on the base paths quite often. For fantasy managers, Mullins may drag down your batting average, but he can still hit up to 15 home runs while collecting 20-plus steals. At his current ADP (400.13), he is a viable late-round flier.

Yesterday

Jake Fraley • RF • Rays

Rays Re-Sign Jake Fraley to One-Year Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays are re-signing outfielder Jake Fraley to a one-year, $3 million deal on Tuesday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays claimed Fraley off waivers from the Atlanta Braves on Nov. 6 before designating him for assignment last week. The left-handed-hitting outfielder hit a combined .241/.332/.382 with a .714 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, 31 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 76 games with the Braves and Cincinnati Reds in 2025. It's highly unlikely that the oft-injured Fraley becomes much more than a platoon outfielder for the Rays in 2026. In his seven big-league seasons, the 30-year-old has a .508 OPS against left-handed pitchers. Fraley's high-water mark came in 2023 with the Reds, when he hit a career-high 15 home runs, drove in 65, and stole 21 bases in 111 games. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can likely ignore him next year.

Nov 26

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Expected to be "Fully Ready" for Spring Training

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (triceps) is expected to be "fully ready" for the start of spring training in mid-February of 2026, according to president of baseball operations Erik Neander. McClanahan was expected to be a full-go going into spring training this year, too, after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in 2023. However, the talented southpaw suffered a left triceps nerve injury in spring training and did not pitch at all for the team in 2025. He made two rehab starts in the minors before eventually going under the knife in August. The Rays have similar optimism that McClanahan will be good to go next year, but at this point, despite the high upside, fantasy managers should be wary of spending too much on the oft-injured Rays ace. Remember, McClanahan has not pitched in the big leagues since August of 2023, so he's sure to have restrictions if he's healthy in 2026, at least early on.

Oct 2

Everson Pereira • CF • Rays

Everson Pereira Done for the Season With Back Injury

The Tampa Bay Rays announced on Friday that they placed outfielder Everson Pereira (back) on the 10-day injured list with lower-back inflammation and reinstated infielder Jonathan Aranda (wrist) from the 10-day IL in a corresponding move. Pereira recently injured his back and will not be available for the final three games of the 2025 season this weekend in Toronto against the division-rival Blue Jays. The 24-year-old played in just his second major-league season with Tampa this year and appeared in just 23 games, going 9-for-65 (.138) with two home runs, eight RBI, seven runs, and two steals in 73 plate appearances. Pereira made his big-league debut two years ago with the New York Yankees and played in only 27 games, hitting .151 (14-for-93) with no homers, 10 RBI, and four stolen bases.

Sep 26

Jonathan Aranda • 1B • Rays

Jonathan Aranda Activated From Injured List on Friday

The Tampa Bay Rays activated infielder Jonathan Aranda (wrist) from the 10-day injured list on Friday and placed outfielder Everson Pereira (back) on the 10-day IL in a corresponding move, according to the team. The Rays have not released their starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays, but Aranda should be back in there for the first time since fracturing his left wrist in late July. The 27-year-old left-handed slugger won't be able to contribute in fantasy, but he will make it back for the final three games of the regular season in what has been a breakout year for him. The Mexican first baseman was on a tear before his injury this summer, batting .316 (113-for-358) with 12 home runs, 54 RBI, and 53 runs scored in 103 games played. Aranda will be a nice source of power at the first base position going into next year.

Sep 26

Yandy Díaz • 1B • Rays

Yandy Diaz Day-to-Day After Leaving Early With Groin Injury

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman/designated hitter Yandy Diaz (groin) is being considered day-to-day after leaving Thursday's game against the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth inning with right-groin tightness, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Before leaving the eventual 6-5 loss, Diaz went 1-for-2 at the plate with a run scored. He was replaced at DH by Hunter Feduccia. The 34-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, but with only three games left in the season this weekend in Toronto against the division-rival Blue Jays, it's possible we won't see Diaz again in 2025. It would be a disappointing end to a career year for the Cuban slugger. Diaz entered play on Thursday with a healthy .301 average (173-for-575) with a career-best 25 home runs and a career-high 83 RBI while adding 78 runs scored and three steals in 147 games.

Sep 25

Jonathan Aranda • 1B • Rays

Rays "Taking it Day to Day" With Jonathan Aranda

The Tampa Bay Rays are still "taking it day to day" with first baseman Jonathan Aranda (wrist), according to manager Kevin Cash. If the Rays activate Aranda from the 10-day injured list, it would require them to drop someone else from the active roster, which could still be in consideration. However, the minor league seasons are already over, notes Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The 27-year-old left-handed slugger has been out since fracturing his left wrist in late July, and it remains to be seen if he'll actually return for the final series of the regular season this weekend in Toronto against the division-rival Blue Jays. The Mexican first baseman would finish with a .316/.394/.478 slash line, .871 OPS, 12 home runs, 54 RBI, and 53 runs scored in 358 at-bats this year if he's not activated from the IL. The All-Star will be a lock to open 2026 as Tampa's regular first baseman.

Sep 25

Jonathan Aranda • 1B • Rays

Jonathan Aranda Could Return as Soon as Thursday

Tampa Bay Rays All-Star first baseman Jonathan Aranda (wrist) will join the team in Baltimore on Wednesday and go through a round of batting practice and ground balls to see how he feels, according to Ryan Bass of Bally Sports. Aranda has played in three games in Port Charlotte and could be activated from the 10-day injured list as early as Thursday, if all goes well. "He's pretty encouraged," manager Kevin Cash said, "and I'm pretty excited about Johnny and the effort that he has shown to get back here and finish just a pretty impressive season." The 27-year-old has been out since late July with a fractured left wrist, but he could return for the team's final series of the season, which begins on Friday in Toronto against the division-rival Blue Jays. Aranda has had a breakout season in 2025, slashing .316/.394/.478 with an .871 OPS, 12 home runs, 54 RBI, and 53 runs in 103 games in his fourth MLB season.

Sep 23

Junior Caminero • 3B • Rays

Junior Caminero Still Sidelined on Friday

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (back) remains absent from the starting nine for Friday's game against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. Tristan Gray will start at the hot corner and will hit sixth against Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Caminero will miss a second straight game after he was pulled from Wednesday's game with mid-back tightness. The 22-year-old was able to take swings in the batting cages on Friday, so he could return to action as early as Saturday. Fantasy managers will want to check back then to see if he's active. The 22-year-old Dominican has had a true breakout season in 2025 in his first full year in the majors, slashing .259/.302/.537 with an .839 OPS, 44 home runs, 108 RBI, 89 runs scored, and seven steals in 146 games. Gray has played in only 24 games with Tampa this year and has three homers and eight RBI. Avoid him as a DFS sleeper against Crochet.

Sep 19

Junior Caminero • 3B • Rays

Junior Caminero Out on Thursday

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (back) is out of the lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. Tristan Gray will fill in at the hot corner and hit sixth versus right-hander Chris Bassitt. Caminero is considered day-to-day after exiting the Rays' win over the Jays on Wednesday with mid-back tightness. He could return when Tampa Bay opens a series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. With 44 home runs in 2025, Caminero is just two away from tying Carlos Pena's franchise record of 46. Along with his gaudy HR total, the 22-year-old has slashed .259/.302/.537 with 108 RBI, 89 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 620 plate appearances.

Sep 18

Junior Caminero • 3B • Rays

Junior Caminero Day-to-Day With Back Tightness

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (back) left the team's game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday with mid-back tightness and is considered day-to-day, according to Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Florida. The Rays subbed outfielder Jake Mangum in for Caminero and reshuffled their defensive alignment in the seventh inning. Caminero ended his night 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts, though the 22-year-old has been on fire in September. He entered the game slashing .311/.354/.566 with five homers, 14 RBI, and nine runs scored this month. During a breakout campaign, Caminero has put together a .259/.302/.537 line with 44 homers, 108 RBI, 89 runs scored, and seven stolen bases over 620 plate appearances. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday to see if Caminero is in the lineup for the Rays' series finale against the Jays.

Sep 18

Christopher Morel • LF • Rays

Christopher Morel Back in Wednesday's Lineup

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Christopher Morel (abdomen) will start in left field and bat cleanup for the Rays on Wednesday against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander Kevin Gausman. Morel is returning to the starting lineup after being pulled from Sunday's series finale against his old team, the Chicago Cubs, with an abdominal contusion. The 26-year-old appeared as a pinch-hitter in Tuesday's game against Toronto and will now return to the starting nine. He has faced Gausman just twice in his career and has a solo home run. Morel's playing time has dipped in 2025, as he is rarely on the field against right-handed pitchers. The Dominican native is batting a weak .227/.293/.410 with a .703 OPS, 11 home runs, 27 RBI, and seven steals in 256 at-bats. However, he has hit .316 (6-for-19) with a homer and four RBI so far in 10 games in September.

Sep 17

Jonathan Aranda • 1B • Rays

Jonathan Aranda Will Face Live Pitching

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (wrist) is lined up to face live pitching at the team's spring training facility in Port Charlotte, and how he feels after the session will determine if he returns for the last week of the regular season, according to Rays manager Kevin Cash. The 27-year-old was in the midst of a breakout season before landing on the 10-day injured list with a fractured wrist. Aranda hit .316 with 12 homers and a .377 wOBA in his 103 games, but he may get a chance to add to those stats in the final week of the season. He was hitting well enough before the injury that he is worth a look if he's on waivers if he does get activated for the end of the season.

Sep 16

Joe Boyle • SP • Rays

Joe Boyle to Start on Monday

The Tampa Bay Rays have called up right-hander Joe Boyle from Triple-A Durham to start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The 26-year-old has made 10 appearances (six starts) with the Rays this season and gone 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA, a 1.39 WHIP, and 39:21 K:BB in 36 2/3 frames. The Rays demoted Boyle in late August after he struggled to an unsightly 9.42 ERA over four appearances and 14 1/3 frames last month. Boyle will face a daunting task in trying to contain an elite Toronto offense in his return. The Blue Jays rank second in the league in OPS and fourth in runs scored.

Sep 15

Ryan Pepiot • SP • Rays

Ryan Pepiot Expected to Start Tuesday

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot (fatigue) is expected to return to the rotation to start Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays, reports Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. He was originally scheduled to start this past Wednesday before being scratched due to general fatigue. Luckily, that was not a precursor to a more serious issue, as the 28-year-old is reportedly feeling back to normal after throwing a bullpen session over the weekend. The right-hander has enjoyed a solid 2025, posting a 3.59 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 161 strikeouts in 163 innings so far.

Sep 15

Christopher Morel • LF • Rays

Christopher Morel Exits with Abdominal Issue

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Christopher Morel (abdomen) was forced to make an early exit during Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs. Morel suffered an abdominal contusion when being struck by a foul ball. As a precaution, Morel exited the game and Jake Mangum took over in left field. Before exiting, Morel went 1-for-3 with a single. Fantasy managers should consider Morel as day-to-day. It doesn't sound like this issue will force Morel onto the injured list.

Sep 14

Brandon Lowe • 2B • Rays

Brandon Lowe Sitting on Friday

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe is not in the lineup on Friday against the Chicago Cubs. Richie Palacios will handle the keystone in Lowe's absence and hit seventh in a meeting with left-hander Matthew Boyd. Lowe, who's out of the lineup for the first time since Aug. 4, has slumped in his first 10 games this month. He's 8-for-38 (.211) with four doubles, three RBI, and a whopping 16 strikeouts against two walks in September. The 31-year-old has still been among the league's most productive second basemen this season, though, having slashed .260/.312/.478 with 28 homers, 74 RBI, 72 runs, and three steals in 506 plate appearances.

Sep 12

Josh Lowe • RF • Rays

Josh Lowe Out of Lineup on Friday

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Josh Lowe is not in the lineup on Friday against Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. Jake Mangum will take over for Lowe in right field and hit fifth, while Everson Pereira will play center and bat sixth. It's logical to sit Lowe against a tough lefty, as southpaws have held him to a miserable .496 OPS in 104 plate appearances in 2025. The left-handed Lowe has had far more success versus righties (.777 OPS), leading to an overall line of .236/.301/.399 with 11 homers, 39 RBI, 54 runs, and 17 steals in 387 trips to the plate.

Sep 12

Jonathan Aranda • 1B • Rays

Jonathan Aranda Cleared to Resume Baseball Activities

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (wrist) had a checkup on his fractured wrist on Wednesday and is progressing in his recovery. He has started playing catch and hitting off a tee and will continue to ramp up his activities after his positive checkup. Manager Kevin Cash said the team isn't sure if he'll be able to return this season, but it's a great sign that the 27-year-old lefty is on the road to recovery and should be fully healthy for next season. Before the injury, Aranda was having his long-awaited breakout season, hitting .316 with 12 homers, 54 RBI, and a .377 wOBA in his 103 games. He should be a key part of the Rays lineup when he's ready to return, whether that's before the end of this season or for the start of 2026.

Sep 11

Jonny DeLuca • CF • Rays

Jonny DeLuca Will Miss the Rest of the Season

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jonny DeLuca (hamstring) will not return to the team this season after suffering a setback in his rehab, according to Rays manager Kevin Cash. DeLuca has been on the injured list with a hamstring injury since early August and suffered a quad strain while working his way back in Triple-A Durham. DeLuca showed some promising upside during the 2024 season, but only played 20 games this year, hitting .333 with no home runs but six stolen bases and a .350 wOBA. He missed time early in the season with a shoulder injury as well, and it isn't clear how the 27-year-old righty fits in with the Rays' future plans in the outfield, where they have several strong prospects. He'll work to come to Spring Training next year fully healthy and ready to contribute, but his 2025 season is unfortunately over.

Sep 11

Tampa Bay Rays News

LEGEND