Ryan Brett Promoted

Due to the Blue Jays drilling of Evan Longoria in yesterday's game, the Rays have promoted the bearded warrior of spring training, Ryan Brett.

Over the course of five minor league seasons, plus the seven games he's played at Durham this year, Brett has slashed .296/.352/.433 with 25 homers to go along with 135 stolen bases in 379 games. He also has a 14% strikeout rate, to go along with a 7% walk rate.

Brett was the 3rd round selection in the 2010 draft for the Rays and his callup makes him the highest pick to have made it to the majors with Tampa Bay (Derek Dietrich was selected a round before him, made debut with Miami). When he makes his debut, he'll already be the 4th Rays player to make his debut this year, after Dykstra, Andriese, and Mahtook.

Ryan Brett was ranked the third prospect overall by the DRaysBay staff and community this off-season, behind only Willy Adames and Steven Souza.

Although Brett is small in stature, only 5'9'', he has hit well at every level and has shown some pop. Brett was ranked the 7th best prospect in the Rays system heading into the season by Baseball America. He possesses all tools, as he can hit for power, clubbing eight homers last year with the Biscuits. He also has plus speed, having stolen over 20 bases each season, with the exception of his short year in the GCL. Brett also has a good glove, being named the top defensive 2B in the Southern League last year.

During the offseason, Brett undergoes a ridiculous workout regime, as seen here:

Brett will likely play second base, allowing Logan Forsythe to slide over to third and allow Evan Longoria to recuperate at the DH and stay off the field.

In a corresponding move, Mikie Mahtook was sent back to the minors.

The Rays also placed Jeff Beliveau on the DL and called up C.J. Riefenhauser.