2 Rays' players that will be enormous returns from the IL in the near future

The Rays lost some key players to injury during this year's spring training as newly acquired reliever Steven Wilson, Taylor Walls, and Ryan Pepiot started the season on the injured list. They were great losses to the lineup and bullpen for this rebranded 2026 club, but none were more impactful than the two athletes we'll mention throughout this article. However, we can rest assured that they'll arrive sooner than later to help this team in an important April stretch.

Gavin Lux and Edwin Uceta are expected to return from the IL in April

Edwin Uceta was sidelined first as he experienced shoulder pain in his throwing arm prior to the World Baseball Classic. The Dominican-born relief pitcher was scheduled to join the uber-talented Dominican Republic roster. However, his ailment left him out of the tournament and has kept him off the Rays' roster since Opening Day.

In Uceta's last two seasons with the Rays, he has broken out in a grand way. After producing a -0.6 WAR in his first three MLB seasons, Tampa Bay unlocked something in Edwin Uceta that has made him one of the top relievers in the league. His 2.98 ERA and 160 punchouts in 117.2 innings has placed him into the closer role for the 2026 season. Presently, Bryan Baker is holding down the fort with an impressive 2.25 ERA so far.

Gavin Lux's injury came as a shock to Rays' fans as it happened within a few days of the opener against the Cardinals. Their newest infielder was also sidelined for most of spring training, so this obstacle likely frustrated the two-time World Series champ.

The Rays acquired Gavin Lux from the Cincinnati Reds in a 3-team deal that included beloved outfielder Josh Lowe. The addition of a player like Lux was certainly necessary, especially after losing one of the best infielders in franchise history. Lux won't match Brandon Lowe in power, but he should be a reliable source of offensive production and steady defense at second base. His arrival in mid-April will involve a lot of anticipation as the Rays begin a stretch that includes the Yankees and rejuvenated Pirates.