Tampa Bay Rays Activate Colby Rasmus, Designate Shane Peterson for Assignment

This afternoon, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that they have activated Colby Rasmus from the disabled list as he has finally completed his rehab from off-season surgery. In order to clear space on the active roster, the Rays designated Shane Peterson for assignment.

The Rays signed Colby Rasmus back in January, knowing he likely wouldn’t be ready by Opening Day. He did play in some spring training games for the club, but once the season began, he was placed on the 10-day disabled list. He did begin a rehab on assignment with the Charlotte Stone Crabs, but collided with a prospect in the outfield which set back Rasmus at least a week.

Over his eight year major league career, Rasmus has slashed .241/.311/.434 with 156 HR over 1,037 games. He has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros and has put up 18.5 fWAR with them. While with the Blue Jays, Rasmus worked closely with current Rays hitting coach, Chad Mottola which helped sway Rasmus to joining the Rays during the off-season.

Shane Peterson filled in nicely for the Rays after Mallex Smith went on the disabled list during the second week of the season. Over 14 games, he slashed .263/.317/.395 with a HR and a 105 wRC+.