Tampa Bay Rays activate RHP Nick Anderson and OF Brett Phillips, option LHP Ryan Sherriff, and move LHP Jose Alvarado to the 45 day Injured List

Prior to Friday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that they have activated right-handed pitcher Nick Anderson and outfielder Brett Phillips. In the corresponding roster moves, the Rays optioned left-handed pitcher Ryan Sherriff and right-handed pitcher Edgar Garcia to their alternate training site.

Meanwhile, to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Rays have transferred left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarado to the 45-day Injured List.

The last time Nick Anderson pitched, the Rays held a record of 16-9; since then, the Rays have gone 10-3 and overtaken the New York Yankees for the top spot in the American League East. The ability to be one of the best relievers in baseball, Anderson has pitched in 11 games this season and yielded exactly 0 runs over 9 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched.

Brett Phillips finally joins the Rays after being acquired last week in a deal with the Kansas City Royals. The Seminole, Florida native says that he grew up a Rays fan and that his excitement about joining the team cannot be measured. Phillips will likely serve as a late game defensive replacement and possibly platoon with Manuel Margot in the outfield.

Unfortunate news for Jose Alvarado, who missed most of the 2019 season, and will likely miss the rest of the 2020 campaign.