The Tampa Bay Rays are managing several player injuries as they prepare for the upcoming season. Recent transactions have also reshaped the roster. Updates from late February highlight concerns over key positions.
The Tampa Bay Rays' spring training has been marked by multiple injuries affecting their infield and pitching staff. Shortstop Taylor Walls experienced left oblique tightness, leading to him being scratched from the lineup on February 22. He is expected to return by February 28, according to the latest update on February 27.
Right-handed pitcher Steven Wilson is sidelined with back soreness and has not pitched in camp. He received an injection that will keep him out for another week, making him unavailable for Opening Day, as noted on February 27.
Second baseman Gavin Lux is dealing with overall soreness, and manager Kevin Cash indicated he "probably won't be on the field for a little bit," taking a preventative approach, per the February 26 update.
Infielder Jadher Areinamo suffered right hamstring tightness, exiting a February 22 game against Pittsburgh. His recovery timeline remains undetermined, with Cash stating, “We’ve got to kind of let it play out here and see what doctors say,” from the February 23 update.
Right-handed pitcher Edwin Uceta has right shoulder soreness after withdrawing from the World Baseball Classic on February 15. He felt discomfort during catch on February 19, received a cortisone injection on February 20, and is prescribed a week off from throwing, with a possible return by Opening Day, updated February 21.
Right-handed pitcher Manuel Rodríguez underwent surgery on August 8 for a right elbow flexor strain and was placed on the 60-day injured list on February 10. He hopes to return in June or July 2026.
On the transaction front, the Rays traded infielder Brett Wisely to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations on February 10 and signed right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez to a one-year contract. They also placed Rodríguez on the 60-day IL and invited catcher Daniel Vellojin to Major League Spring Training that day.
On February 6, the Rays acquired outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infielder Angel Brachi and designated Wisely for assignment. The day before, on February 5, left-handed pitcher Ken Waldichuk was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals.
These developments reflect ongoing adjustments as the Rays build their roster for the season.
