Tampa Bay Rays spring training 2017: Kevin Gadea has elbow tendinitis, will be placed on disabled list

The Tampa Bay Rays have begun the process of trimming down their roster in preparation for Opening Day and they had made the decision to return Kevin Gadea to the Seattle Mariners.

However, as the deal was being made to return Gadea, an issue with his elbow flared up and now a MRI has diagnosed him with elbow tendinitis, so he’ll begin the season on the disabled list.

Marc Topkin in a tweet says he would be out at least four weeks, but the Rays could eventually place him on the 60-day disabled list to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

The Rays made a surprise selection during the Rule V draft when they selected Kevin Gadea, who had never pitched above the A-Level in the Seattle Mariners organization. This sudden news opens up the bullpen picture even more as there are now only a couple of locks for the bullpen which will likely feature 7-8 arms.

Gadea, 22, was originally signed as an international free agent during the 2012-2013 off-season. Since that time, he was moved slowly through the Mariners system, enjoying success at every stop along the way. He finished the 2016 season with the Clinton LumberKings, the Mariners’ Single-A affiliate, with he pitched in 10 games (six starts) with a 2.15 ERA and a 2.54 FIP over 50 innings pitched.