Tampa Bay Rays Activate Brad Miller, Option Mallex Smith

Prior to tonight’s game against the Mariners in Seattle, the Tampa Bay Rays have announced that they have activated Brad Miller from the 10-day DL and have optioned Mallex Smith to Triple-A Durham.

Brad Miller felt a tweak in abdomen a couple of weeks ago and would be ultimately diagnosed with an abdominal strain and placed on the disabled list. A brief recovery period and extremely brief rehab stint later and Brad Miller finds himself back on the Rays active roster.

Miller a breakout year in 2016 as he clobbered 30 HR, accrued 2.0 fWAR and had a 111 wRC+ over 152 games. He did this all the while leaving his comfort zone as the team’s starting short stop and having to learn how to play first base.

In 2017, Miller was again moved, this time over to second base. So far this year, Miller’s offensive production has been less than stellar as he has put up a 92 wRC+ over 39 games with just two HR.

Mallex Smith rejoined the Rays during their series in Texas when the Rays placed Peter Bourjos on the disabled list, but now he is back on his way to Durham. The 24 year old outfielder has shown he can a catalyst for the offense with his explosive speed, but for now he’ll hone his skills in Durham.