Rays injuries and roster moves
With the Rays' season over, keep track of all their offseason roster moves and injury updates here. As a reminder, players on the 60-day injured list must be added back onto the 40-man roster after the World Series. This page will be updated throughout the offseason.
LATEST NEWS
Oct. 4: Acquired RHP Ty Cummings from Mariners to complete Randy Arozarena trade
The Rays acquired two of their top 12 prospects when they dealt Arozarena to Seattle on July 26, getting back Single-A outfielder Aidan Smith (No. 9) and High-A right-hander Brody Hopkins (No. 12) in that trade. The initial transaction also included a player to be named later. It turned out to be Cummings, a 22-year-old right-hander who doesn’t need to be added to the 40-man roster and didn’t immediately join the Rays’ Top 30 Prospects list, according to MLB Pipeline.
A seventh-round pick out of Campbell University in the 2023 Draft, Cummings made his professional debut for High-A Everett this past season. A sinker/slider pitcher who relies heavily on getting ground balls, he posted a 4.17 ERA with 124 strikeouts and 46 walks in 116 2/3 innings over 25 starts.
INJURY UPDATES
LHP Jeffrey Springs (left elbow fatigue)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
Springs had been scheduled to start on Sept. 9 in Philadelphia, but instead he was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 8, with the assignment made retroactive to Sept. 5. Springs, who returned from Tommy John surgery earlier this season, said he simply felt a little more sore than normal during his between-starts bullpen session and while playing catch. Rather than pitching at less than 100 percent or risking further injury, Springs reported the issue and went on the IL. He initially hoped to return to make two starts at the end of the season, but manager Kevin Cash announced on Sept. 17 that Springs will not return despite a clean MRI and a "very encouraging" visit with Dr. Keith Meister.
"As much as he wants to, I think we put our heads together [and decided] it’s probably best to not slow him down, build him back up and try to force an outing in there," Cash said. (Last updated: Sept. 17)
RHP Pete Fairbanks (right lat strain)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
Fairbanks exited the Rays' Aug. 18 game with an injury that an MRI exam later revealed as a lat strain. Fairbanks progressed to playing catch and felt good in his recovery, but he wasn't making progress quick enough to return to the mound in 2024. He is expected to be fully healthy and ready for Spring Training '25. Last updated: Sept. 17)
60-DAY INJURED LIST
LHP Shane McClanahan (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
McClanahan effectively completed his rehabilitation program on Sept. 25 by throwing 15-16 pitches in a live batting practice at Tropicana Field. He had been slated to throw on Sept. 26 but moved the session up a day due to Hurricane Helene's path toward Florida. Manager Kevin Cash said McClanahan faced Triple-A Durham outfielder Jake Mangum and did well, throwing 94-95 mph. Reaching that milestone should allow McClanahan to have a normal, healthy offseason.
McClanahan previously took a big step in his rehab progression on July 30, throwing off the mound for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery on Aug. 21, 2023, his second such procedure. The two-time All-Star, placed on the 60-day IL on Feb. 14, was always expected to miss the entire 2024 season. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training in 2025. (Last updated: Sept. 25)
RHP Jacob Waguespack (right rotator cuff inflammation)
Expected return: Possibly late September
Waguespack began a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sept. 6, his first game action since June 25, and joined the Rays on Sept. 25 in case he was needed during the final week of the season. He was moved to the 60-day IL on May 18. He sustained a right shoulder injury during his outing for Triple-A Durham on May 2 that wasn't expected to require a significant stint on the shelf, but the Rays gained some flexibility by recalling him and placing him on the 15-day IL on May 6. (Last updated: Sept. 25)