After winning 98 games, the AL East title, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage in the AL playoffs, the Rays are ready to begin their postseason journey. Before Game 1 of the ALDS against the Yankees, the Rays revealed their 26-man roster, led by the Game 1 starter. Drew Rasmussen.
Seekers: Nick Fortes, Liam Hicks
Infielders: Jonathan Aranda, Caminero Junior, Yandy Diaz, Jorge Mateo, Richie Palacios, Taylor Walls, Ben Williamson
Voltigeurs: Johnny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr., Cedric Mullins, Chandler Simpson, Ryan Vilade
Left-handed pitchers: Cam Booster, Garrett Cleaver, Steven Matz, Ian Seymour
Right-handed pitchers: Bryan Boulanger, Griffin Jax, Kevin Kelly, Nick Martinez, Freddy PeraltaDrew Rasmussen, Cole Sulser, Tyler Wells
Cleavinger and Wells were each activated from the 15-day injured list on Monday, and their inclusion on the ALDS roster confirms that both pitchers have recovered from somewhat concerning cases of forearm tightness. As it turned out, Cleavinger only missed a month of action and Wells just over three weeks. These could therefore be considered best-case scenarios given that forearm-related issues can often be precursors to more serious injuries.
Simpson also appears to have avoided any type of major foot issues, as the outfielder hasn’t played since fouling a right-footed ball in Tampa’s 2-0 win over Philadelphia on September 25. The Rays have held Simpson out of their last two games as a simple precaution, and the speed demon will now return to his usual spot in left field. The poster child of the Rays’ small-ball formula, Simpson hit .306/.333/.356 over 612 plate appearances this season, hitting zero home runs while leading the majors with 46 stolen bases.
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