Rays Announce Opening Day Roster
Chris Mazza earned the final roster spot for Tampa Bay on Thursday. Mazza, who can provide length, will get the final spot in the team’s ten-man bullpen.
Mazza was in camp on a minor league deal, and he was added to the 40-man roster, with Pete Fairbanks moved to the 60-day IL.
“He’s going to be very valuable for us,” said Manager Kevin Cash. “He can cover innings, he bounces back as good as any reliever that we had last year, and he’s very deserving of being with us for the way he pitched last year, the way he came into Spring Training.”
Mazza is one of seven Tampa Bay players that will be on the Opening Day roster for the first time, joining Josh Fleming, Wander Franco, Josh Lowe, Opening Day Starter Shane McClanahan, Luis Patino, and Taylor Walls. For Mazza it’s also his 12th season as a professional.
“Last year I missed it by three days, so I’m really excited,” said Mazza. “My parents flew in last night (from California), so a little excited for them to get to see me on Opening Day.”
Here’s the Rays Roster for Opening Day 2022:
Pitchers (15): Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, JT Chargois, J.P. Feyereisen, Josh Fleming, Andrew Kittredge, Corey Kluber, Chris Mazza, Shane McClanahan, Luis Patiño, Brooks Raley, Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs, Matt Wisler, Ryan Yarbrough
Catchers (2): Francisco Mejia, Mike Zunino
Infielders (5): Ji-Man Choi, Yandy Díaz, Wander Franco, Brandon Lowe, Taylor Walls
Outfielders (6): Randy Arozarena, Kevin Kiermaier, Josh Lowe, Manuel Margot, Brett Phillips, Harold Ramírez
Injured List (6): Nick Anderson (60-day), Shane Baz (10-day), Yonny Chirinos (60-day), Pete Fairbanks (60-day), Tyler Glasnow (60-day), Brendan McKay (60-day)
The Rays moved McKay to the 60-day IL on Thursday. This is not a reflection of any change on his rehab from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. McKay is throwing bullpens right now but has not yet advanced to facing hitters as he would be stretched out as a starter.
With McKay on the 60-day IL, the Rays on Thursday claimed Ralph Garza Junior off waivers from the Red Sox, and optioned him to Triple-A Durham. Garza made 27 appearances last year with the Astros and Twins.
