PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — As the countdown to Opening Day intensifies, the Tampa Bay Rays’ 26-man roster is steadily taking shape, though crucial decisions regarding the bullpen and a pivotal shortstop vacancy remain at the forefront, according to a report from sportsamo.com. The notoriously meticulous Rays front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander and Manager Kevin Cash, continues to fine-tune a roster designed for sustained competitiveness in the American League East.
The bullpen, a perennial strength for the Rays, is undergoing its final auditions. Recent moves saw infielder/outfielder Richie Palacios, outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy, and right-hander Joe Boyle optioned to Triple-A Durham on Friday, clearing space. The most poignant decision, however, came Saturday with the news that non-roster left-hander Cam Booser would not make the Opening Day squad. Booser, a 33-year-old southpaw, captivated many with his remarkable journey back to professional baseball after a series of setbacks, including time away from the game and multiple career-threatening injuries. His narrative, a testament to perseverance, saw him overcome a heart condition, multiple shoulder surgeries, and a stint working as a carpenter before returning to the mound. Despite an impressive spring — allowing just one run on three hits and four walks while striking out nine over nine outings — the numbers game in a deep Rays system proved too challenging. Booser will remain in Spring Training to pitch in one more game before evaluating his options, leveraging an assignment clause in his Minor League contract to potentially pursue an opportunity with another club.
With Booser’s departure from contention, the battle for the remaining five bullpen spots among seven relievers — Hunter Bigge, Mason Englert, Yoendrys Gómez, Luis Guerrero, Kevin Kelly, Ian Seymour, and Cole Sulser — has reached a fever pitch. The Rays’ bullpen construction is often a masterclass in leveraging versatility and managing resources. Key pieces like Griffin Jax, Garrett Cleavinger, and Bryan Baker are penciled in for high-leverage situations, with their established track records providing a solid foundation. Edwin Uceta, another potential late-inning contributor, is slated to begin the season on the injured list with a shoulder issue, but his eventual return will add further depth.
Several critical factors weigh heavily on Neander and Cash’s minds. Both Yoendrys Gómez and Cole Sulser are out of Minor League options. This status creates a high-stakes scenario: if they don’t make the Opening Day roster, the Rays risk losing them to another team via waivers, a prospect the organization typically avoids given the investment in player development. Gómez, a hard-throwing righty with a promising arsenal, and Sulser, a veteran with late-inning experience, present compelling cases for inclusion.
Furthermore, the Rays historically value having at least two pitchers capable of providing multi-inning relief, particularly early in the season as they carefully manage the workloads of key starters like Steven Matz and Shane McClanahan. Both Matz and McClanahan, while elite talents, have navigated injury concerns in the past, necessitating a cautious approach to their early-season pitch counts. This strategic imperative significantly bolsters the chances of Englert, Gómez, and Seymour, all of whom possess the repertoire and stamina to work two or three frames. Englert’s ability to eat innings and offer varied looks, Gómez’s power arm, and Seymour’s promising lefty stuff make them prime candidates for these crucial long-relief roles. Beyond their internal options, the Rays are renowned for their vigilance in monitoring the waiver wire and trade market in the final days of Spring Training, often unearthing overlooked talent that can immediately contribute to their bullpen. This opportunistic approach has been a hallmark of their sustained success.
While the bullpen picture clarifies, the most significant question mark hovers over the shortstop position. The unfortunate right oblique injury to Taylor Walls, a defensive wizard and switch-hitter, will land him on the injured list, creating a substantial void. Walls’ absence is a major blow, as his Gold Glove-caliber defense and timely hitting make him an integral part of the Rays’ middle infield. His ability to anchor the defense and provide a steady presence at the plate, particularly from the left side, will be sorely missed.
In the wake of Walls’ injury, the Rays have three primary avenues to explore. The most intriguing involves top prospect Carson Williams, who, despite being technically optioned to the minors earlier in the week, has been recalled to big league camp. Williams, a first-round pick in 2021, is widely considered one of the top defensive shortstops in all of Minor League Baseball, boasting elite range, a powerful arm, and exceptional instincts. His offensive game has shown significant strides, particularly in developing power. Starting Williams at shortstop on Opening Day would be an aggressive move, but one that aligns with the Rays’ philosophy of promoting talent when ready. The challenge lies in determining if his bat is polished enough for immediate big-league impact, especially given the high-pressure environment of the AL East. Historically, the Rays have carefully managed the development of their top prospects, balancing immediate needs with long-term growth. Launching Williams directly into the MLB starting role would bypass additional seasoning in Triple-A, a common path for even their most lauded infield prospects like Wander Franco and Willy Adames before him.
Alternatively, the Rays could scour the external market for a stop-gap solution, perhaps a veteran with defensive acumen who could bridge the gap until Walls returns or Williams is deemed fully ready. This approach, while offering a safer immediate solution, might require sacrificing prospect capital or taking on additional salary. The third option involves utilizing Ben Williamson, a utility infielder already on the 40-man roster, at shortstop. Williamson offers defensive versatility and a solid glove but may not possess the same offensive upside as Williams. If Williamson were to take on the shortstop duties, the Rays would then need to identify another player to fill his utility-infield role, potentially complicating other roster decisions.
Manager Kevin Cash’s comments underscore the fluid nature of the situation: "With Carson being here, we brought him back for a reason. We’ll just see how it plays out. You’re kind of at the mercy of all the decisions that maybe Erik Neander might make. But there’s no timetable until rosters need to be set." This statement highlights the collaborative, yet ultimately strategic, decision-making process between the coaching staff and front office, with Neander having the final say on roster construction.
Beyond these critical roster battles, the Rays camp has also been addressing minor injuries and logistical preparations. Second baseman Gavin Lux was scratched from Saturday’s lineup against the Minnesota Twins due to a "cranky" right shoulder. Lux, who missed the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL, is a crucial addition to the Rays’ infield, bringing an offensive spark and defensive flexibility. His health is paramount, and the team will exercise caution, hoping for his swift return. Ryan Vilade stepped in at second base in Lux’s absence, showcasing the team’s depth.
As the Grapefruit League schedule winds down, the Rays are also taking proactive steps to familiarize their players with the recently repaired Tropicana Field. With the regular season set to begin with a three-city road trip, the team will utilize Sunday and Monday to get comfortable in their home ballpark before the April 6 home opener. Outfielders will field fly balls and grounders on Sunday morning to assess the play of the new roof and turf, while infielders will conduct defensive drills on Monday. While players won’t hit on the field or use the clubhouse during these sessions, the opportunity to acclimate to the renovated stadium is vital for minimizing any potential home-field disadvantages and ensuring players feel at ease in their environment from day one. The extensive repairs to the Tropicana Field roof and turf were a significant undertaking, and ensuring optimal playing conditions is a priority for the organization.
The final week of Spring Training promises to be a flurry of activity for the Tampa Bay Rays, as they finalize their roster with an eye towards another competitive season in Major League Baseball. The blend of internal talent, strategic decision-making, and a keen awareness of the external market will ultimately dictate the composition of the 2024 Opening Day squad.
