After dealing Zach Eflin to the Orioles, injured right-hander Jeffrey Springs will take his position in the Rays’ rotation later this week. Following last year’s season-ending Tommy John surgery, Rays right-hander Jeffrey Springs will make his first major league appearance since April 2023.
Injured Rays Pitcher Secures Rotation Spot With Trade
Springs will throw a bullpen session on Sunday, preparing him to start for the Rays on Tuesday or Wednesday. Given his extended absence, Tampa Bay will most likely limit his innings, but he is projected to take Zach Eflin’s spot in the Rays rotation. Springs has made 12 rehab starts, most recently working up to five innings and 82 pitches with Triple-A Durham on Thursday. In that outing, the 31-year-old right-hander gave up three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four.
Right-Hander Jeffrey Springs Days Away from Rays Return
Springs was acquired in 2021 and has made 79 appearances (28 starts) for the Rays, pitching to a 2.53 ERA. Last season, he signed a four-year, $31 million contract extension and was set to enter the Rays’ rotation when his season ended prematurely. Jeffrey Springs will be a welcome boost to Tampa Bay’s pitching staff, which has struggled to remain healthy. Shane McClanahan will miss the whole 2024 season, and the Rays are also without right-handers Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot.
Rasmussen began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on July 21st, following a hybrid internal brace treatment last year. He will make his third rehab appearance for Durham on Saturday, tossing two innings. Rasmussen is preparing to return to the majors as a multi-inning relief. He is scheduled to return for the final two months of the regular season.
Pepoit will miss at least 15 days due to an infection in his right knee. It’s unclear how the 26-year-old contracted the infection, but he had to stay in the hospital to get antibiotics. According to Rays manager Kevin Cash, Pepiot expects to throw from a mound in the coming days.
