Tampa Bay Rays Acquire Trevor Plouffe from Oakland Athletics

The Tampa Bay Rays may have their solution for a corner infielder that can hit left handed pitching. They have acquired Trevor Plouffe from the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

Heading into the season, the Tampa Bay Rays were looking for a corner infield presence that could hit left handed pitching. Rickie Weeks had been brought in to handle left handed pitching, but he has struggled thus far. Prior to landing on the disabled list, Weeks had posted a .216/.321/.340 batting line with two homers and six doubles. Michael Martinez was brought in once Weeks hit the DL, but has been even worse, with a .077/.172/.077 batting line.

Obviously, the Rays needed to improve that position. They have done just that, acquiring Trevor Plouffe from the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations. Plouffe, who has spent time as a third baseman/first baseman/designated hitter, provides the Rays with much more depth on the bench. To make room on the 40 man roster, Matt Andriese has been transferred to the 60 day DL.

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An eight year veteran, mainly with the Minnesota Twins, Plouffe not only provides protection in case Evan Longoria‘s foot issues get worse, but he can be that missing part in the lineup. He has a .294/.357/.373 batting line against lefties this year, and has produced a .269/.345/.459 batting line against southpaws over his career. Plouffe should provide that platoon partner for Logan Morrison.

Likewise, in acquiring Plouffe, the Rays have weakened their AL East rivals. The Boston Red Sox are in desperate need of a third baseman, and had attempted to sign Plouffe in the offseason before he went to Oakland. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees need a first baseman that can be reasonably competent in the batter’s box. By upgrading their bench, the Rays have helped themselves further close the gap in the AL East.

The Rays are also receiving a bit of cash in the deal as well. Signed to a one year, $5.25 Million contract this offseason, Plouffe still has $3 Million due to him this year. The Athletics are sending $2 Million over to Tampa Bay to help offset that salary.

Next: Rays 2017 draft synopsis

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired Trevor Plouffe from the Oakland Athletics. While it may be a fairly under the radar move, this trade could go a long way to helping the Rays in their postseason push.