Tampa Bay Rays News

EAST

Carson Williams • SS • Rays

Carson Williams Optioned to Triple-A

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Carson Williams was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Friday. Williams will head back to the minors after struggling during his short stint with the big league club. Across 33 plate appearances, Williams slashed .100/.156/.133 with three RBI and two walks. Brandon Williamson (back) was activated off the Injured List, so Williams will head to the minors to get everyday at-bats. It shouldn't be too long before Williams is back with the big league club. He can be sent to the waiver wire in redraft formats, but remains a dynasty stash.

17 hours ago

Bryan Baker • RP • Rays

Bryan Baker: Must-Add Closer Off the Waiver Wire

With roughly a third of the 2026 season in the books, Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Bryan Baker has emerged as his team's preferred option in the ninth inning. Across 24 appearances (22 1/3 innings) so far this year, Baker has pitched to a 2.42 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 26 strikeouts and 14 saves. The 31-year-old has been deployed in the ninth inning in five consecutive outings and has not entered a game before the eighth inning in 2026. Baker is also averaging a career-best 97.1 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a stellar 29.1% strikeout rate. The veteran reliever has had some issues with command (10.1% walk rate), and his 0.40 HR/9 is considerably better than the 1.70 HR/9 he posted in 2025. If his home run rate regresses a bit and he continues issuing free passes, Baker's ERA could rise over the course of the year. Still, he has a stranglehold on the closer role in Tampa Bay for the time being, making him a must-add off the waiver wire across all fantasy formats.

19 hours ago

Junior Caminero • 3B • Rays

Junior Caminero is an Elite Source of Power

Fantasy managers potentially considering buying low on Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero can probably forget about it. Caminero just snapped a nine-game hitting streak with an 0-for-3 performance in the 11-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, and before that, he had gone 19-for-64 (.297) with four home runs, two doubles, 11 RBI, and 11 runs scored in 16 games, dating back to May 7. Overall in May, he's slashing .271/.386/.471 with an .857 OPS, five round-trippers, two doubles, 12 RBI, and 15 runs scored in 23 games across 101 plate appearances. The 22-year-old Dominican third baseman is a big reason why the low-budget Rays remain in first place in the American League West. Caminero's home run total of 13 seems lackluster after he popped a career-high 45 dingers in 154 games in 2025 in a breakout season, but his power remains real. He currently sits in the 87th percentile in expected slugging, the 85th percentile in xwOBA, and the 80th percentile in hard-hit rate. Caminero is also in the 80th percentile in walk rate and has an expected batting average of .279.

Yesterday

Griffin Jax • RP • Rays

Griffin Jax Leaves Early With Back Contusion, Considered Day-to-Day

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax (back) was hit by a comebacker on Tuesday in his start against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles and was forced to exit the game early due to a back contusion, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Jax is considered day-to-day after taking a 107.2 mph line drive off his back in the second inning. The 31-year-old tried to stay in the game, but he only made it through two frames before being pulled and ended up allowing three unearned runs on three hits while walking none and striking out three. We won't know more about whether Jax can make his next scheduled start until after he goes for testing. Jax began the year in Tampa as their closer with Edwin Uceta (shoulder) out, but he quickly was demoted from the closer's role after blowing each of his first two save chances. Tampa has transitioned Jax to a starting role, with Tuesday being his sixth start. He's been much more effective as a starter, going into Tuesday's game with only four runs (three earned) allowed with eight walks and 14 strikeouts in 19 innings over five starts.

3 days ago

Wander Franco • SS • Rays

Wander Franco Found Guilty, Won't Serve a Sentence

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty on Monday and criminally responsible for the crime of sexual and psychological abuse against a minor, but ESPN's Juan Arturo Recio reports that he will not serve a sentence. The 25-year-old won't have to spend any time behind bars as long as he meets the conditions set by a judge, which is a curious decision by the justice system in the Dominican Republic. Franco remains on the restricted list in MLB, and the Rays won't be required to pay any of his salaries from the 11-year, $182 million contract he signed with the organization back in November of 2021. Major League Baseball could decide to discipline Franco in their own way, but either way, the once-promising shortstop prospect is unlikely to ever play professional baseball in the United States again. Franco was an All-Star in his last year with the Rays in 2023 and slashed .282/.340/.454 with a .795 OPS, 30 home runs, 130 RBI, and 40 steals in 265 games played in his three MLB seasons.

4 days ago

Griffin Jax • RP • Rays

Griffin Jax Emerging as Must-Add Starter Following Role Change

Rays right-hander Griffin Jax has taken a major step forward since transitioning into a starting role in late April, quickly emerging as a high-upside fantasy target. The 31-year-old owns a 2.11 ERA across his last seven appearances after struggling out of the bullpen early in the season. Jax now carries a 3.54 ERA and 1.36 WHIP overall, but his underlying profile has improved significantly as a starter. While his strikeout rate has dipped slightly, he has generated groundballs at over a 50 percent clip, allowing him to work deeper into games and limit damage consistently. Jax appears far more comfortable in the rotation, and fantasy managers should strongly consider adding him before his value rises further.

4 days ago

Yandy Díaz • DH • Rays

Yandy Diaz Back in Lineup for Rays in Series Opener Against Yanks

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (hands) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the Rays in Friday's series opener against the division-rival New York Yankees and right-hander Gerrit Cole, who is making his first major-league start since 2024, according to MLB.com. Jonathan Aranda is starting at first base for Tampa and will hit third in the batting order. Diaz got the day off on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles after being hit in both of his hands on Tuesday, but he's now back in action after the team had a day off on Thursday. Fantasy managers will want to plug Diaz back in their lineups in all formats now that he's back. He has gone 11-for-24 (.458) with three home runs, three doubles, 10 RBI, and seven runs scored during his six-game hitting streak, and he's also batting .318 with an .875 OPS, two home runs, and six RBI in 44 career at-bats against Cole in his career. The 34-year-old Cuban first baseman continues to be a hitting machine, as he enters Friday's action with a .316 average (55-for-174) and a .394 on-base percentage in 45 games.

7 days ago

Bryan Baker • RP • Rays

Bryan Baker Picks Up his 13th Save, a Must-Add Off Waiver Wire

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Bryan Baker has been great in 2026, with a 2.66 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings pitched. He picked up his 13th save of the season on Tuesday against Baltimore and is now third in MLB with 16 save opportunities and 13 saves on the season, trailing only Mason Miller and Cade Smith in both. Not only has Baker looked solid on the surface, but his 2.53 xERA, .187 xBA, and 85.9 mph average exit velo all rank in the 90th percentile or better, and he has great swing and miss stuff, which is evident by his 29.3 percent strikeout rate. He has proven to be Kevin Cash's top option to close out games. Because it is the Rays, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if Baker, every so often, is used in the 7th or 8th inning in a high-leverage situation, but overall, they should feel comfortable knowing they have a top 5 closer given the current state of closers in 2026.

7 days ago

Yandy Díaz • DH • Rays

Yandy Diaz Avoids Serious Injury, Could Return on Friday

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (hands) got an X-ray and CT scan on Tuesday night after being hit by a pitch on both of his hands, according to Rays reporter Ryan Bass. The imaging came back negative on Diaz, who woke up sore on Wednesday, which is why he was held out of the starting lineup against the Baltimore Orioles. It appears as though he's avoided a serious injury. "I think it got the nail a little bit, but we'll try to give him the day," manager Kevin Cash said. "He was pretty adamant, like he thought he'd be okay, but if we can give him today, and then with the off day tomorrow, hopefully be pretty optimistic about him getting back in (Friday)." Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, and they'll want to check back on Friday to see if the 34-year-old veteran is ready to play in Friday's series opener in the Bronx against the division-rival New York Yankees. Although the Cuban slugger doesn't have high-end power, he's a must-start in traditional fantasy leagues when he's active, and he's hitting a cool .316 (55-for-174) on the season with 33 RBI, 27 runs, eight home runs, and a steal.

May 20

Yandy Díaz • DH • Rays

Yandy Diaz Out on Wednesday After Being Hit by a Pitch

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (hand) is out of Wednesday's lineup versus the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field after he was hit by a pitch on the hand on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Ryan Vilade will draw into the lineup at first base and will bat cleanup for the first-place Rays against Orioles right-hander Shane Baz. We'll have an update on Diaz once we know more about the results of his X-rays, but for right now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. The Rays have an off day on Thursday, so hopefully, Diaz will be ready to roll for the start of a big divisional series on Friday in the Bronx against the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old Cuban continues to be an excellent source of batting average for fantasy managers, as he's hitting .316 (55-for-174), and he's added eight homers, 33 RBI, 27 runs scored, and a stolen base in 45 games across 198 plate appearances. Vilade has been solid for Tampa in his 26 games played, going 19-for-60 (.317) with two homers and 13 RBI.

May 20

Griffin Jax • RP • Rays

Griffin Jax Emerging as Viable Waiver-Wire Target Amid Move to Rotation?

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax continues to climb fantasy rankings after another strong outing on Tuesday. Jax allowed one earned run across five innings while striking out six batters against the Houston Astros. Since moving into the rotation in late April, the 31-year-old has posted a 1.62 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across four starts in May. Despite operating with a limited pitch count, Jax has consistently worked deep into games and continues to earn the trust of Tampa Bay's coaching staff. Jax originally entered the league as a starter in 2021 before spending four seasons in the bullpen. Fantasy managers searching for pitching help should move quickly as Jax continues establishing himself as a reliable rotation option.

May 20

Yandy Díaz • DH • Rays

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman/designated hitter Yandy Diaz (hand) exited early from his team's matchup against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday after being hit by a pitch on his hand in the eighth inning, per Ryan Bass of MLB TV. Diaz was two-for-four with a home run and two RBI before leaving the game. The 34-year-old has gotten off to a strong start to the 2026 season, hitting .316/.394/.506 with eight home runs, 33 RBI, 27 runs scored, and one stolen base across 198 plate appearances. The extent of Diaz's injury is not yet clear, but fantasy managers will have to hope that X-rays on the hand come back negative. Should Diaz land on the injured list, Rays outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy could be in line to return to the big leagues and see time at designated hitter after being optioned to Triple-A on May 11.

May 19

Emmanuel Rodriguez • CF • Twins |

Manuel Rodríguez • RP • Rays

Emmanuel Rodriguez Needs Surgery for UCL Tear in his Thumb

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (thumb), who is currently on the seven-day injured list at Triple-A St. Paul, needs surgery after an MRI exam showed a UCL tear in his left thumb, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. It's a tough break for the 23-year-old, who is considered the team's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline. Rodriguez was hitting .247 (20-for-81) for the Saints with six home runs, 18 RBI, 15 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 25 games across 108 plate appearances at the time of his injury. Thumb injuries have been a problem for him, as he had surgery for a right-thumb injury in 2024 and also missed some time last year with a left-thumb ailment. The Dominican outfielder is quickly losing steam in dynasty/keeper leagues as a stash candidate due to durability concerns. Rodriguez has yet to play in 100 games down on the farm in a single season since he became a professional in 2021. His most recent thumb injury could very well cost him the rest of the 2026 season.

May 19

Steven Matz • SP • Rays

Steven Matz to Rejoin Rays Rotation on Wednesday Against Orioles

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Steven Matz (elbow) came through his bullpen session on Sunday well and will come off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the starting rotation for a matchup on Wednesday against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Matz has been out with left-elbow inflammation. Even though the matchup against the O's is a good one -- they currently rank 28th in baseball with a .699 team OPS -- Matz won't be a recommended fantasy streamer this week since he didn't go on a minor-league rehab assignment and will most likely be limited from a pitch-count perspective in his first game back from the IL. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw has posted a 4-1 record with a 3.86 ERA (4.81 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, and 28:13 K:BB in 37 1/3 innings across his first seven starts for Tampa this year in his return to a starting role. Matz has exceeded expectations so far, but he lacks high-end strikeout stuff, and his underlying metrics predict regression. It's likely why he's only rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues.

May 18

Carson Williams • SS • Rays

Carson Williams Worth Picking Up Following Recent Promotion?

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Carson Williams was recently promoted for his second stint in the majors this season. Although he was hitting just .238 in Triple-A, fantasy managers should still consider rostering him because of his power upside. Williams homered five times across 32 Triple-A games this year, salvaging a 93 wRC+. His 30.% strikeout rate is problematic, but he did walk at a 12.1% clip. There's no denying that he hits the ball hard with power, as evidenced by his 111.4 mph maximum exit velocity (85th percentile) and 10.4% barrel rate (80th percentile). Still available in almost every fantasy league, Williams represents an intriguing waiver wire pick-up for managers seeking a power surge. He could get into the lineup on Monday against Orioles left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers.

May 18

Carson Williams • SS • Rays

Carson Williams Called Up, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?

The Tampa Bay Rays announced on Sunday that they recalled infielder Carson Williams from Triple-A Durham after placing outfielder Jake Fraley (hernia) on the 10-day injured list. Williams, who made his major-league debut in 2025, made the Rays' Opening Day roster but was quickly sent back to the minors after going 3-for-23 (.130) at the plate with one walk and nine strikeouts in just seven games played. He also struggled in 32 games as a rookie, batting .172 (17-for-99) with five homers, 12 RBI, two steals, six walks, and 44 strikeouts in 106 plate appearances. Taylor Walls, the team's current shortstop, is a whizz with the glove, but he doesn't provide much offensively, so the first-place Rays could give Williams another run at the position. The former first-rounder in 2021 was hitting .238/.333/.418 with a .751 OPS, five home runs, 21 RBI, six steals, and 24 runs in 32 games for Durham before his call-up. In deeper leagues, Williams is worth a dart throw for middle-infield depth. He's rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available.

May 17

Emmanuel Rodriguez • CF • Twins |

Manuel Rodríguez • RP • Rays

Emmanuel Rodriguez Worth Stashing Amid Injured List Stint?

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (thumb) hasn't played in a game since May 1 after suffering a muscle strain in his thumb, but could be back on the field in the coming weeks. Before hitting the injured list at Triple-A St. Paul, the Twins' fourth-ranked prospect was showing well, hitting .247 with six home runs and producing a superb .417 on-base percentage thanks to an elite 21.3 percent walk rate (28.7 percent strikeout rate). The left-handed slugger has displayed an elite eye at the plate for the entirety of his minor league career, and had a 16-home run campaign in just 99 games back in 2023, but staying healthy has been an issue for him, playing a total of 65 games in 2025 and 47 in 2024. With Matt Wallner recently demoted to Triple-A, there could be a path to playing time once Rodriguez returns to action, and with his solid combination of power, speed, and plate discipline, the 23-year-old is a worthy stash candidate in deeper leagues.

May 14

Chandler Simpson • LF • Rays

Chandler Simpson Back in Leadoff Spot for Rays on Wednesday

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (leg) is starting in left field and is batting leadoff for Wednesday's game in Toronto against the hosting Blue Jays and right-hander Dylan Cease, according to MLB.com. Simpson only ended up missing one game after dealing with cramps in his left leg on Monday. The 25-year-old speedster should be returned to starting lineups in traditional fantasy leagues, although he's more of a fade in DFS against Cease, who has looked much better in his first year with the Blue Jays in 2026. Simpson returns to the lineup sporting a strong .314/.339/.359 slash line, although he's still searching for his first major-league home run and has a weak .698 OPS in 156 at-bats. He had 44 stolen bases for the Rays in just 109 games played in his rookie campaign in 2025, and Simpson currently has 14 steals in 18 attempts through 40 games this season. Simpson has a hit in his only career at-bat against Cease.

May 13

Chandler Simpson • LF • Rays

Chandler Simpson Sitting Out on Tuesday With Leg Injury

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (leg) is not in the starting nine for Tuesday's contest at the Rogers Centre against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays, per MLB.com. Cedric Mullins will start in center field and will bat seventh for the Rays against Blue Jays left-hander Patrick Corbin. Simpson was pulled from Monday's win with leg cramps as a precaution. The speedy 25-year-old is already feeling better, though, and he'll get a day to rest with the team facing a southpaw. Fantasy managers should expect Simpson to return to action on Wednesday. The former second-rounder in 2022 is still searching for his first major-league home run after debuting in 2025, but he's stolen 58 bases in 149 games and is an elite stolen base contributor for fantasy managers. Although Mullins has three hits in 10 career at-bats against Corbin, DFS managers should be avoiding him in this matchup. The former Orioles outfielder has gone 17-for-119 (.143) on the year with only two home runs and seven RBI in 35 games played.

May 12

Chandler Simpson • LF • Rays

Chandler Simpson Leaves Early Monday With Leg Cramps

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that outfielder Chandler Simpson (leg) left Monday's win over the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays with a leg issue that they think "might just have been a cramp more than anything," according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Strength tests on Simpson's leg were good. He was likely going to be off on Tuesday with a left-hander on the mound for Toronto. "Then we'll go from there. But from all the reports, sounds really good," Cash said. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday to see if the speedy Simpson can return, but as of now, it looks like he has avoided a serious injury. Simpson had a big game for his fantasy managers out of the leadoff spot on Monday before leaving, too, going 3-for-5 at the plate with three runs scored and two stolen bases. The 25-year-old is now up to 14 swipes on the season. He has yet to homer through 149 big-league games, but Simpson is an elite speed threat for fantasy managers after he stole 44 bags in 109 games in his rookie campaign in 2025.

May 11

Tampa Bay Rays News

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