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Prior to this afternoon’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, the Rays announced another wave of reassignments and options.
Two of the most notable were Curt Casali and Luke Maile, meaning that Jesus Sucre has won the backup catcher job. The three entered spring battling for the starting catcher job with the recent signing of Derek Norris, that opportunity went out the window.
Jesus Sucre is a major league veteran of four seasons, although in extremely part time services. All four of those seasons came with the Seattle Mariners in which he slashed .209/.246/.276 with 2 HR over 90 games.
#Rays Maile on being sent down: "Obviously it hurts; all I can do is go down to AAA and try to prove them wrong."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 29, 2017
Maile said #Rays "obviously didn't think I gave them the best chance this year," but will "handle it professionally like I always do."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 29, 2017
Luke Maile and Curt Casali were the Rays primary catchers during the 2016 season, playing in a combined 126 games, but they only accrued 0.3 fWAR over that time.
With the catcher battle settled, the Opening Day roster is nearly set, however, the bullpen is still in flux as another arm may be heading to the disabled list.
#Rays Cash said Tolleson likely to open on DL, creates another bullpen spot to fill
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 29, 2017
The Rays also optioned Ryan Garton and reassigned Michael McKenry, Deigo Moreno, Justin Marks, and Shane Peterson.
We found out yesterday that Rickie Weeks and Tommy Hunter would make the Opening Day roster and now with Jesus Sucre joining them, the Rays will need to clear three spots on the 40-man roster.