Tampa Bay Rays Potential Trade Deadline Upgrades

Backup corner infielder

Nominally, the backup corner infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays is a job divided amongst several players. Daniel Robertson has been the backup at third, and Rickie Weeks has backed up first while serving in a platoon role.

Neither has been particularly productive. Weeks, specifically, has been rumored to be in danger of losing his job. A recent push has gotten his batting line to a more palatable .233/.330/.367 rate, but that is still slightly below average. Robertson, while a solid utility player, is not exactly someone that Rays fans should feel comfortable with at third, should Evan Longoria‘s foot issues worsen.

This even appears to be an area that the Rays have attempted to address. Although he has spent most of his time with the Rays at second, utility man Michael Martinez does have a history of playing third base. And, if Weeks begins to struggle again, either Jake Bauers or Casey Gillaspie could be an option.

However, if the Rays determine that none of their in house options are palatable, or provide enough of an upgrade, a minor trade could be in the works. Getting a veteran presence on a struggling franchise, someone like a John Jaso or Trevor Plouffe, could be worth the price.

Daniel Robertson is a fine utility player, but he is more valuable filling in at a couple of different positions instead of being a potential starter. Getting a low cost veteran for a stretch run, as either a bat off the bench, or to fill in should an injury occur, could be a good move for the final few months.