With two weeks until Opening Day, the final roster is taking shape. The final roster spot is down to two players: Curtis Mead and Richie Palacios. One will make the team and the other will be optioned to the minors. Kevin Cash has a difficult decision because he cannot keep both. Which one will he choose?
Curtis Mead is the Rays’ number three prospect. The right-handed hitter can play second and third base. Mead had a solid spring with a batting average of .308, .379 OBP (Great), and .807 OPS (Above average). Mead is known for his defense. Any offense produced is a welcomed bonus. An extra infielder is useful if there are delays in Taylor Walls recovery. Mead would fit in perfectly.
The final roster spot could be awarded to Richie Palacios. This outfielder brings a needed left-handed presence to the lineup with Josh Lowe’s questionable health status and DeLuca’s recent hand injury. During spring training, Palacios demonstrated speed and power. Who will Cash pick?
The Rays sent top prospect Junior Caminero to the minors. Caminero, Rays #4 prospect in the organization, batted .269 with four RBIs and a home run which did not help him to stand out among the crowded infield. There is no way to justify replacing Isaac Paredes with Caminero. Paredes hit 31 home runs and drove in 98 RBIs. Whereas, Caminero has played only 48 games in the majors.
Another victim of the crowded infield was Greg Jones. The switch-hitting shortstop and Rays #24 prospect was on fire during spring training. In only 14 at-bats, Jones collected five hits, four runs, two RBIs and a homer. His final numbers for the spring were .357 BA, .438 OBP (Excellent), and 1.081 OPS (Excellent).
As for the injuries.
OF Jonny DeLuca – Broken hand. Out six weeks
OF Josh Lowe – Hip inflammation. A week away from game action
RHP Taj Bradley – Pectoral tightness. TBD
SS Taylor Walls – Right hip. Late April/early May
RHP Shane Baz – Tommy John surgery. Sometime in the first half of the season
LHP Jeffrey Springs – Tommy John surgery. Likely July/Aug time frame
RHP Drew Rasmussen – Right flexor strain. Late 2024
LHP Shane McClanahan – Tommy John surgery. Likely 2025
After a recap of injuries, one cannot help to notice the number of pitchers on the list. It is concerning because a good start to the season would be advantageous in the highly competitive American League East division. However, there are solutions available.
One option is reuniting with Blake Snell. It might not be realistic. Snell is demanding an outrageous sum of money but what would it hurt if an offer is made? It would show the baseball community the Rays are not afraid to make a move to win. It looks like the Giants, Phillies, Yankees, and Angels are in the hunt for Snell. Articles I have read have Snell leaning towards the Angels.
World Series champion Jordan Montgomery is another option. This dependable starting pitcher is unsigned and is not demanding Snell-like money. This is a feasible option. He has playoff experience and is young enough to win more postseason games.
