Right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi has returned to the Tampa Bay Rays after agreeing to a minor league contract on Friday.
The 33-year-old, previously an All-Star, is set to join major league spring training after missing the entirety of last season due to shoulder surgery performed on April 5.
With right-hander Taj Bradley anticipated to be sidelined at the season’s outset due to a strained pectoral muscle, Odorizzi’s arrival presents a potential opportunity in the Rays’ rotation.
Throughout his 11-year career spanning multiple teams including Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Houston, and Atlanta, Odorizzi has amassed a record of 74-69 with a 3.99 ERA in 237 starts and four relief appearances. His standout season came in 2019 with the Twins, where he achieved a career-high 15 wins and earned an All-Star selection.
In the 2022 season, Odorizzi posted a 6-6 record with a 4.40 ERA across 22 starts split between the Astros and Braves before being traded to the Texas Rangers. Following arm fatigue experienced during spring training, Odorizzi underwent arthroscopic debridement on his right shoulder under the care of Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister.
In additional roster moves on Friday, the Rays added former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jacob Waguespack to the roster from Triple-A Durham. Meanwhile, left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs was placed on the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery performed on May 1.
Further adjustments saw left-hander Brendan McKay and right-hander Michael Gomez reassigned to minor league spring training camp, while left-hander Jacob Lopez was optioned to Durham.
