Roster Moves: Tampa Bay Rays place Mallex Smith on DL, Promote Shane Peterson

The Tampa Bay Rays have placed Mallex Smith on the 10-day disabled list, while they have promoted Shane Peterson from Triple-A Durham to take his place. The Rays had a full 40-man roster, so in order to make room for Peterson, the Rays pushed Brad Boxberger from the 10-day DL to the 60-day DL.

Mallex Smith has been a bright spot for the Rays thus far in the 2017 season as his explosive speed has been a catalyst for the team’s offense. So far over eight games, he has slashed .273/.360/.318 with three stolen bases.

Peterson put up a decent showing in spring training, as he was brought in as a non-roster invite. He has major league experience, with most of it coming during the 2015 season where he played in over 90 games for the Brewers. He’ll for the Rays needs for a left-handed hitting outfielder while Mallex Smith and Colby Rasmus recover from their respective injuries.

Meanwhile, Brad Boxberger will not be delayed from making his season debut until at least June. Marc Topkin states that Boxberger is in the early stages of his throwing program as he recovers from a flexor strain. Boxberger was expected to help strengthen the Rays bullpen, but his absence has left a glaring hole in the backend of games for the Rays.