Fansided

Each MLB team’s expected call-ups for roster expansion

By Kyle Franzoni

May 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (55) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (55) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Rays

It seems odd to be talking about the Tampa Bay Rays in September and not be doing so in a sense that they are looking at a postseason berth. Yet, as we sit here the day before September begins, the Rays site 10 games behind in the division and 4.5 games back in the Wild Card hunt. In pure probability talk, the Rays have just a 7.6% chance of reaching the playoffs.

That isn’t to say that Tampa won’t be doing things in September. They do have somewhat of a shot, and the Rays have some depth in the minor leagues to fall back on should they need it.

First and foremost, former ace Matt Moore will likely be back when rosters expand. After missing a big chunk of time due to Tommy John surgery, Moore struggled to a 1-3 mark with a 8.78 ERA and a career-worst 5.73 K/9 ratio over his first six appearances since being activated. That forced Tampa to send him back to Triple-A, where he’s worked well in five appearances at Durham. That included a 16-strikeout appearance against the Columbus Clippers on August 22nd.

In addition to Moore, the Rays will likely recall relievers Andrew Bellati, C.J. Reifenhauser, and Kirby Yates, catcher Justin O’Conner, infielders Jake Elmore, Nick Franklin, and Richie Shaffer. It’ll be interesting to see if they try to work Shaffer into some outfield work or possibly at first, especially with Evan Longoria blocking him third base. With 26 home runs in the minors this season, it will be tough to keep him down much longer.

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