Rays promote LHP Sean Gilmartin ahead of Yankees series, among six roster moves

With an off-day behind them after a win and loss against the Boston Red Sox, the Rays have made six roster moves just as the Yankees come to town for a four game set.

The most notable is the promotion of LHP Sean Gilmartin, now more widely known in baseball as the husband of the White House’s Press Secretary, who was pitching in the Rays alternate site on a minor league deal.

Previously: Kayleigh McEnany, wife of Rays pitcher signed to minor league deal, named White House Press Secretary

Gilmartin previously pitched across two seasons for the Orioles, accumulating 29.1 IP across 12 appearances in 2018 (15 K, 11 BB, 9 ER) and 1 appearance in 2019 (1 K, 2 BB, 5 ER). Gilmartin will wear No. 85, presumably because No. 45 was already taken by Brent Honeywell Jr. This was my one political joke allowed, please enjoy.

To make room for Gilmartin on the 40-man roster, OF Manuel Margot was transferred from the bereavement list to the COVID 10-Day Injured List due to intake testing requirements. Margot’s father had passed away in his home country of the Dominican Republic.

Gilmartin’s promotion was necessitated due to LHP Jose Alvarado’s placement on the paternity list. Best wishes to his family as they welcome their next child.

Ahead of this game, the Rays were required to trim the roster from 30 players to 28, which included the option of RHP Ryan Thompson and 1B/OF Brian O’Grady.

In addition to these roster moves, Rays No. 5 starter Yonny Chirinos was placed on the injured list for a triceps injury. In a corresponding move, the Rays re-called RHP Trevor Richards, who has two appearances on the season with 5.1 IP (4 K, 1 BB, 6 ER).

Due to scheduling issues in the aftermath of COVID rescheduling games, the Rays and Yankees four game series set to begin on Thursday will begin tonight instead, with a seven-inning double header on Saturday instead.

Accordingly, the double-header will allow the Rays to promote a “29th man” for the double-header, and candidates could include LHP Brendan McKay, who is building innings in Port Charlotte, LHP Anthony Banda, who has not premiered this season, or a return visit for the recently optioned Thompson (6.0 IP, 4 K, 3 BB, 1 ER).

A starter will not be needed for the double-header with the promotion of RIchards; the next true open slot for the rotation will not be until Tuesday.