After trading Zach Eflin to the Orioles, injured right-hander Jeffrey Springs is set to take his place in the Rays rotation later this week. Following last year’s season-ending Tommy John surgery, Rays right-hander Jeffrey Springs is set to make his first big-league appearance since April 2023.
Injured Rays Pitcher Secures Rotation Spot With Trade
Springs will throw a bullpen session on Sunday, setting him up to start for the Rays on Tuesday or Wednesday. Tampa Bay will likely monitor his innings given his lengthy absence, but he’s expected to assume Zach Eflin’s place in the Rays rotation. Springs has completed 12 rehab starts, recently building up to five innings and 82 pitches with Triple-A Durham on Thursday. The 31-year-old right-hander allowed three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out four in that outing.
Right-Hander Jeffrey Springs Days Away from Rays Return
Acquired in 2021, Springs has made 79 appearances (28 starts) for the Rays, pitching to a 2.53 ERA. Last season, he inked a four-year, $31 million extension and was poised to join the Rays’ rotation until his season ended prematurely. Jeffrey Springs will be a welcome addition to a Tampa Bay pitching staff that has struggled to stay healthy. While Shane McClanahan will miss the entire 2024 season, the Rays are also without right-handers Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot.
Rasmussen began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on July 21st after undergoing a hybrid internal brace procedure last year. He is scheduled to make his third rehab appearance, pitching two innings for Durham on Saturday. Hoping to get back to the majors quicker, Rasmussen is building up more like a multi-inning reliever. He is on track to return for the final two months of the regular season.
Pepoit will miss at least 15 days with an infection in his right knee. It’s unclear how the 26-year-old got the infection, but it required a stay in the hospital to receive antibiotics. According to Rays manager Kevin Cash, Pepiot hopes to throw off a mound in the coming days.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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