Tampa Bay Rays right-handed hurler Trevor Kelley will get the ball to open Friday's game against the New York Yankees. The 30-year-old has only played in one contest so far in 2023, spending most of his time in Triple-A, where he owns a 3.95 ERA with 14 punchouts and a 1.68 WHIP across 13.2 innings. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Josh Fleming will relieve Kelley and pitch in a piggyback role. The former fifth-round pick is running a 4.55 ERA, 12.5% strikeout rate, and 1.48 WHIP over seven appearances (one start). Fantasy managers can lay off both arms, as Kelley won't provide the volume, and Fleming doesn't have the talent to offer much value.
The Tampa Bay Rays selected right-hander Trevor Kelley to their 40-man roster on Wednesday and placed right-hander Andrew Kittredge (elbow) on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. Kittredge is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will miss at least the first half of the season. Kelley could still begin the 2023 regular season in the minor leagues, so he'll need to impress over final few weeks of spring training in order to make the Opening Day roster. The 30-year-old made 18 relief appearances (23 2/3 innings) for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022 and had a rough 6.08 ERA (6.41 FIP), 1.44 WHIP and 23 strikeouts out of the bullpen.
The Tampa Bay Rays agreed on a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training with right-hander Trevor Kelley on Wednesday. Kelley has spent time with the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. In 32 big-league relief appearances over three seasons, he has a 7.13 ERA (6.71 FIP), 1.61 WHIP, 34 strikeouts and 15 walks in 35 1/3 innings. Kelley was designated for assignment by the Brewers, cleared waivers and declined an outright minor-league assignment to become a free agent. The 30-year-old reliever has a 2.26 career ERA in the minors and will serve as relief depth for the Rays heading into spring training.
Trevor Kelley
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Rays
