Tampa Bay Rays News

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Edwin Uceta • RP • Rays

Edwin Uceta Definitely Worth a Pickup for Saves-Needy Managers

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta (shoulder) started the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder impingement, but he threw live batting practice on Friday and could be nearing a return to the Rays' bullpen in early April, barring a setback with his rehab. The 28-year-old carries plenty of strikeout upside at the back end of the Rays' bullpen, and he could have a clear path to lead the team in saves this year, especially after Griffin Jax blew his first two save opportunities in the first two ballgames of the season. Uceta is widely available in fantasy leagues right now, too, and is only rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues. The Dominican reliever had a tidy 1.51 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in 41 2/3 innings with five saves in 2024 and was one of just five relievers to reach the 100-strikeout mark last year in 76 innings pitched. For the strikeout upside alone and potentially plenty of saves/holds, Uceta is probably one of the most attractive relief arms widely available on the waiver wire early in the season because of his shoulder injury.

17 hours ago

Yandy Díaz • 1B • Rays

Yandy Diaz Records Five Hits, Drives in Four in Win Over Cardinals

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman/designated hitter Yandy Diaz was at his best in the team's 11-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Sunday in the series finale, going 5-for-6 with a double, four RBI, and two runs scored as the designated hitter out of the leadoff spot. It's a reminder that the 34-year-old Cuban veteran is a pretty darn good hitter. It was his 10th career game with four hits. Diaz is blazing hot at the plate to begin the 2026 season, going 9-for-16 (.563) in the first three games. He might not provide a ton of power -- he's only had 20-plus homers in two of his 10 big-league seasons -- but there is plenty of value in Diaz having the fourth-best batting average in baseball since 2021. Over that same timeframe, Diaz has the sixth-best on-base percentage. He's not incredibly sexy in fantasy leagues, but he's a glue guy for your lineups in OBP leagues, and he'll also provide a stable batting average and plenty of runs scored at the top of Tampa's lineup.

19 hours ago

Jake Fraley • RF • Rays

Jake Fraley is Out with Shoulder Soreness

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jake Fraley (shoulder) has been scratched from Sunday's lineup versus the St. Louis Cardinals. Fraley suffered a right shoulder injury while attempting to make a diving catch during Saturday's contest. Rays manager Kevin Cash hinted that the injury wasn't serious, so fantasy managers should consider Fraley as day-to-day. Jonny DeLuca will cover right field and bat sixth against right-hander Dustin May on Sunday. Fraley should be back in the mix in a few days, but he doesn't have much fantasy appeal right now anyway.

Yesterday

Edwin Uceta • RP • Rays

Edwin Uceta Expected to Begin Rehab Assignment Soon

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session on Friday and has another one scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, according to MLB.com. If he gets through those unscathed, Uceta should start a minor-league rehab assignment soon after that. The 28-year-old was put on the 15-day injured list on March 22 with right-shoulder soreness. He reported not feeling great in spring training when playing catch on Feb. 19 and received a cortisone injection on Feb. 20. Uceta had a 1.51 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in 41 2/3 relief innings for the Rays in 2024 and was one of only five relievers in 2025 to have over 100 strikeouts in 76 innings in 2025. Right-hander Griffin Jax entered the 2026 season as the Rays' favorite for saves, but he has blown his first two opportunities. When Uceta is activated from the IL, he could quickly become manager Kevin Cash's go-to man in the ninth inning. He has the most upside of Tampa's high-leverage arms, not only for saves, but also for strikeout potential.

Yesterday

Griffin Jax • RP • Rays

Griffin Jax Already on the Closer Hot Seat?

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Griffin Jax has put himself on the closer hot seat early in 2026 after blowing each of his first two save opportunities as he begins his first full year with the team. In Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Jax blew the save and took his first loss of the year after allowing two runs (one earned) on a hit while walking one in just one-third of an inning. The 31-year-old blew the save on Opening Day at Busch Stadium on Thursday and could not get it done on Saturday in the bottom of the 10th inning. Infield prospect JJ Wetherholt delivered the dagger against Jax. The former third-rounder by the Minnesota Twins in 2016 out of Air Force has been manager Kevin Cash's first choice for saves to begin the year, but that could be changing the next time a save situation comes up, with Bryan Baker and Garrett Cleavinger both being options. Edwin Uceta (shoulder) should get ninth-inning duties when he returns from the injured list, and he has the most upside of any Rays high-leverage arm.

Yesterday

Chandler Simpson • CF • Rays

Chandler Simpson Absent From Opening Day Lineup

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson will start Opening Day on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals on the bench, according to MLB.com. The Rays will roll with Ryan Vilade (batting second) in left field, Cedric Mullins (batting eighth) in center field, and Jonny DeLuca (batting sixth) in right field against Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore. Simpson, 25, bats from the left side and will have to wait to make his first start in 2026. In his first year in the big leagues in 2025, Simpson hit .299 (32-for-107) against southpaws, as opposed to a .293 (9-for-307) average versus righties. The former second-rounder in 2022 slashed an impressive .295/.326/.345 with a .671 OPS, no homers, 26 RBI, 53 runs scored, and 44 stolen bases in his first 109 big-league games. He gives fantasy managers virtually zero power, and when he is in the lineup, he'll likely be down at the bottom of the order, limiting his counting-stat upside. Still, Simpson is useful in all leagues for his elite speed in Tampa.

4 days ago

Ryan Pepiot • SP • Rays

Ryan Pepiot Expected to Resume Throwing This Weekend

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot (hip) saw a doctor on Wednesday about his right-hip inflammation and is "in a really good spot," according to Ryan Bass. Pepiot will rest for a few days and should resume throwing this weekend. He is starting the season on the 15-day injured list and won't be with the team for their first road trip, but the expectation is that he'll rejoin the starting rotation during the first homestand, which starts on Monday, April 6, against the Chicago Cubs. Pepiot's injury has opened the door for right-hander Joe Boyle to join the team's Opening Day rotation. In his second year with the Rays in 2025, Pepiot went 11-12 with a career-high 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 167:61 K:BB in 167 2/3 innings over a career-high 31 starts. Pepiot mostly relies on his fastball/changeup mix to fool hitters and has a 25.3% strikeout rate in his four MLB seasons. Fantasy managers should consider him a decent No. 4/5 hurler who could benefit from the move back to Tropicana Field.

4 days ago

Nick Martinez • SP • Rays

Nick Martinez's Season Debut Pushed Back Due to Hamstring Issue

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Nick Martinez (hamstring) will have his first start of the 2026 season pushed back to Game 4 due to a minor hamstring issue, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Right-hander Joe Boyle will now start the second game of the season for the Rays, with Ryan Pepiot (hip) landing on the 15-day injured list. The 35-year-old Martinez will make his first start for the Rays on Monday, March 30, in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues and in DFS should be looking to avoid Martinez next week in a bad matchup, especially since he has allowed 18 runs in just 7 2/3 innings in the Grapefruit League in his last two starts. Since returning from a four-year stint in Japan in 2022, Martinez has a 3.67 ERA (3.96 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 433 strikeouts and 141 walks in 61 outings (26 starts). Martinez doesn't walk many, but he lacks the strikeout upside to make him intriguing outside of shallow-mixed fantasy leagues.

6 days ago

Joe Boyle • SP • Rays

Joe Boyle Joins the Rays' Starting Rotation

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle will open the season as the team's No. 2 starter, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Boyle was originally projected to start the year in Triple-A, but he'll now shift to the big-league rotation after Ryan Pepiot (hip) was placed on the 15-day injured list. At a minimum, Boyle will make two starts, but there's a strong chance that he could stay in the rotation longer. His third start would be scheduled for April 8, which is the same day that Pepiot is eligible to be activated. If Pepiot misses the minimum amount of time, Boyle will likely head back to the bullpen or minors after two starts. Otherwise, he'd be on track for three-plus. The 26-year-old is no stranger to longer appearances, as nine of his 13 outings last year were starts. Across 52 total innings, he posted a 4.19 FIP with 10.04 K/9 and 4.85 BB/9. He also brought his ground ball rate up to a career-high 43.8% mark.

6 days ago

Carson Williams • SS • Rays

Carson Williams Makes Roster as Starting Shortstop

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Carson Williams has made the Opening Day roster, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Williams will be the team's starting shortstop. The 22-year-old made his MLB debut just last season, appearing in 32 games. He definitely offered more value in the field than at the plate, slashing just .172/.219/.354 with a 41.5% strikeout rate and 54 wRC+. At Triple-A prior to his promotion, he had a mere .213 batting average but offered power and speed with 23 homers and 22 stolen bases. In his first full season at the major league level, we wouldn't be shocked to see Williams continue to hit right around the Mendoza line while still offering solid power, impressive speed, and above-average defense. The 2026 ZiPS projections have Williams launching 21 homers, stealing 16 bags, and posting 91 wRC+. Now that he's penciled into the starting role, he should handle enough playing time to get on the fantasy radar, especially in deeper leagues.

6 days ago

Ryan Pepiot • SP • Rays

Ryan Pepiot Placed on Injured List to Open the Season

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot (hip) has been placed on the 15-day injured list, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Pepiot has been dealing with right hip inflammation, and as a result, he won't be available for the first couple of weeks of the regular season. That's crushing news for the Rays, who are dealing with several pitcher injuries and were hoping Pepiot could be a source of health and stability in the rotation. He threw a career-high 167.2 innings over 31 starts last year, posting a 3.86 ERA with 8.96 K/9 and 3.27 BB/9. Moving forward, the Rays and fantasy managers will look for Pepiot to get healthy and minimize loud contact. He allowed 1.40 HR/9 last year (consistent with his career rate) and surrendered ground balls at a 38.2% clip, which was somehow the highest mark of his career. Joe Boyle will occupy Pepiot's slot in the rotation until the 28-year-old is able to return.

6 days ago

Richie Palacios • LF • Rays

Richie Palacios Makes Rays' Opening Day Roster

Tampa Bay Rays utility man Richie Palacios has made the team's 2026 Opening Day roster, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Topkin reports that Palacios will replace second baseman/outfielder Gavin Lux (shoulder), who will start the year on the Injured List with a right shoulder impingement. The 28-year-old Palacios logged just 48 MLB plate appearances in 2025 but performed well, hitting .333/.396/.451 with one home run, three RBI, 10 runs scored, and four stolen bases. In a more representative sample size of playing time in 2024, Palacios slashed .223/.346/.318 with five home runs, 21 RBI, 46 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases across 319 plate appearances. His ability to line up nearly anywhere on the diamond gives him a chance at regular playing time. When in the lineup, he could be a sneaky source of speed for fantasy managers. With Lux sidelined, Palacios could land on the big side of a platoon at second base with Rays infielder Ben Williamson.

7 days ago

Gavin Lux • LF • Rays

Gavin Lux Set to Open 2026 on the Injured List Due to Shoulder Impingement

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman/outfielder Gavin Lux (shoulder) is being placed on the Injured List due to a right shoulder impingement, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. It's not entirely clear at this point how long Lux is expected to be sidelined, but he will likely miss at least the first few weeks of the 2026 season. Across 503 plate appearances with the Cincinnati Reds in 2025, Lux hit .269/.350/.374 with five home runs, 53 RBI, 49 runs scored, and one stolen base. The 28-year-old owns an impressive 10.1% walk rate for his career and drew free passes at an 11.1% clip last season. However, Lux's lack of power (5.1% career barrel rate) and speed (20 career stolen bases) drastically limits his fantasy value. If this shoulder injury further impacts Lux's bat and/or affects his already questionable defense, Lux's fantasy viability could fall even further. In his absence, Ben Williamson and Richie Palacios could form a platoon at second base for Tampa Bay.

7 days ago

Gavin Lux • LF • Rays

Gavin Lux Experiencing Shoulder Discomfort, Won't Play Saturday

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Gavin Lux (shoulder) is absent from Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Minnesota Twins. Manager Kevin Cash said that Lux's right shoulder is "cranky," but the team is monitoring his status and expects him to return to the lineup on Sunday. The 28-year-old has put together a disappointing spring, slashing just .222/.222/.278 with a 38.9% walk rate and 18 wRC+ across six games. Lux projects as the Rays' starting second baseman on Opening Day, mostly because he posted a respectable 102 wRC+ in the majors with the Reds last year. At this point, it doesn't sound like the shoulder discomfort will sideline Lux beyond the weekend, so we should expect to see him in the lineup when the Rays kick off the regular season against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

Mar 21

Joe Boyle • SP • Rays

Rays Option Joe Boyle on Friday

The Tampa Bay Rays optioned right-hander Joe Boyle to the minors on Friday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Boyle was competing for a spot in Tampa's bullpen to begin the 2026 regular season, but he'll instead start at Triple-A Durham after posting a 3.72 ERA and 1.65 WHIP with eight walks and 16 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings over his four Grapefruit League appearances this spring. The strikeout upside with the 26-year-old is apparent, but the Rays want him to go down to the farm to get stretched out as a starter. In addition to building stamina, Boyle will work on commanding his electric stuff on the mound. The former fifth-rounder by the Cincinnati Reds in 2020 out of Notre Dame spent the first two years of his MLB career with the A's before posting a 4.67 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 58 strikeouts and 28 walks in 52 appearances in 2025 in Tampa in 13 outings (nine starts). Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can leave Boyle on the waiver wire for the time being.

Mar 20

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Throws Five Scoreless Innings in Spring Start on Friday

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan impressed in a Spring Training start against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, throwing 73 pitches over five shutout innings and recording four strikeouts while allowing three hits and two walks. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, McClanahan topped out at 96.8 mph on his fastball. The 28-year-old left-hander has not pitched in an MLB game since August of 2023. McClanahan first underwent Tommy John surgery, and then missed all of 2025 after a nerve issue was discovered in his triceps. Based on his extensive injury track record, expectations for McClanahan's workload and production should be tempered heading into 2026. Still, McClanahan has been an excellent pitcher when healthy, recording a 3.02 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 28% strikeout rate across 404 2/3 career innings (74 starts). His profile comes with significant risk, but McClanahan could provide standout fantasy production when on the mound in 2026.

Mar 20

Taylor Walls • SS • Rays

Taylor Walls to Miss At Least 3-4 Weeks

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls (oblique) will open the 2026 season on the Injured List. According to Marc Topkin, Walls is going to miss a minimum of 3-4 weeks due to this oblique issue. This would give Walls a timetable to return around late April or early May. His absence should mean that Carson Williams gets a chance to cement himself as the everyday shortstop. The 22-year-old got a taste of the MLB last season, playing 32 games with the Rays. He struggled with a .172/.219/.354 slash line, but the Rays are hopeful that the top prospect has made the correct adjustments. Walls could overtake the shortstop job once healthy due to his elite defensive skills, but his struggles at the plate make him difficult to roster in basically any fantasy format.

Mar 20

Taylor Walls • SS • Rays

Taylor Walls Will Open 2026 on the Injured List Due to Oblique Issue

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls (oblique) is set to open 2026 on the Injured List due to an oblique issue, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. With Walls sidelined, Topkin reports that top Rays prospect Carson Williams is "likely" to be the team's Opening Day starter at shortstop. Across 317 plate appearances in 2025, the glove-first Walls hit .220/.280/.319 with four home runs, 38 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. The 29-year-old is a career .195/.286/.298 hitter across 1,560 MLB plate appearances, rendering him largely unusable in the majority of fantasy formats. Walls' strong defensive metrics could lead to him regaining Tampa Bay's starting shortstop role once healthy. However, Williams appears likely to get an extended run of everyday playing time and could be a player for fantasy managers to target as a cheap source of power and speed.

Mar 19

Carson Williams • SS • Rays

Carson Williams "Likely" to Be Rays Opening Day Starting Shortstop

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Carson Williams "seems likely" to be the team's Opening Day starting shortstop, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Williams was optioned to Minor League camp on Tuesday, but the news that presumed Rays starting shortstop Taylor Walls (oblique) will open the year on the Injured List due to an oblique issue has apparently necessitated a change in plans. Williams made his MLB debut in 2025 and struggled mightily, slashing .172/.219/.354 with five home runs, 12 RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 106 plate appearances. The 22-year-old struck out in 41.5% of his big-league plate appearances and wasn't much better at Triple-A, where he logged a 34.1% strikeout rate. However, Williams also racked up 23 home runs and 22 stolen bases across his 451 Minor League plate appearances in 2025. If he can limit his swing-and-miss to a more manageable level, Williams carries clear power/speed upside for fantasy managers. However, his profile comes with considerable downside risk in the batting average category.

Mar 19

Jacob Melton • LF • Rays

Rays Send Jacob Melton to Minor-League Camp

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton, who was in contention to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training, has been optioned to minor-league camp and will begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Durham, according to Ryan Bass. Melton is considered a key piece of the team's future and is expected to be up in the majors at some point in 2026. The Rays acquired Melton in the offseason from the Houston Astros in a three-team trade. The 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2022 out of Oregon State made his major-league debut in Houston last year and struggled to a .157/.234/.186 slash line, no homers, seven RBI, seven stolen bases, six walks, and 29 strikeouts in 78 plate appearances over only 32 games for the Astros. Melton might be a platoon bat when he eventually reaches Tampa this year, but he's an intriguing stash in dynasty/keeper leagues for his plus speed and developing power stroke. He's listed as Tampa's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

Mar 17

Tampa Bay Rays News

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